UPDATE: A senior Israeli official told ABC News that the cabinet will meet on Friday to discuss and ratify the ceasefire deal.
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The Israeli cabinet has delayed a vote on a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, citing last-minute demands from the group. Hamas has denied these claims, stating it remains committed to the truce. The ceasefire deal, announced on Wednesday (January 15), aims to pause the ongoing conflict in Gaza, release hostages, and free Palestinian prisoners.
The agreement, brokered by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, is structured in three phases, each lasting 42 days. However, the timeline and details remain unclear. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not commented publicly, as his cabinet has yet to approve the deal.
The delay comes amid political tensions within Israel’s government. The Religious Zionist Party, a key coalition partner, has threatened to withdraw support if the government does not return to war after the first phase of the ceasefire. This could destabilize Netanyahu’s government, as opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered conditional support to prevent a collapse.
Internationally, the ceasefire has been welcomed, with calls for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. However, the situation remains volatile, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes reported in Gaza.
The Biden administration expects the deal to be implemented by Sunday (January 19) despite the current complications.
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