Israel Postpones Vote on Gaza Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has halted a scheduled vote to approve a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, citing last-minute demands from the militant group while U.S. officials express confidence the ceasefire will commence as planned.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a postponement of a crucial vote regarding a Gaza ceasefire deal initially slated for Thursday. The decision comes amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which resulted in substantial casualties following the ceasefire announcement. Netanyahu accused Hamas of attempting to secure modifications to the agreement at the last moment.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, addressing concerns, stated that minor “loose ends” were being addressed and remained optimistic that the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday despite the postponement.

The deal, reached after extensive negotiations, requires approval from Israel's security cabinet and government before implementation. While Hamas has expressed commitment to the agreement, reports suggest the group is seeking to add members to the list of Palestinian prisoners eligible for release under the terms.

Following the announcement of the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes persisted, claiming over 80 lives, according to health officials in Gaza. Netanyahu asserted that the cabinet would reconvene only after Hamas accepted all provisions of the deal.

Blinken pointed out that delays are typical in complicated negotiations of this nature. While Israeli media speculate the cabinet will meet on Friday to finalize the agreement, Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that his far-right party would withdraw from Netanyahu's coalition if the deal is approved, insisting it poses a threat to Israel's wartime achievements.

Conversely, a senior Hamas official confirmed the group's approval of the deal, which calls for the exchange of 33 hostages, including women and children, for Palestinian prisoners. The first phase would allow displaced Palestinians to return home while enabling aid shipments into Gaza. Subsequent negotiations would address further troop withdrawals and the return of additional hostages.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with over 46,788 deaths reported and vast destruction impacting daily life. As pressures mount, leaders in both Israel and Hamas grapple with the implications of the ceasefire agreement amid rising tensions.