Reuters. Israel’s government spokesman said on Thursday (January 16) that Hamas were making changes to a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced on Wednesday (January 15) to bring an end to 15 months of conflict.
The complex ceasefire accord emerged on Wednesday after mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. to stop the war that has devastated the coastal territory and inflamed the Middle East.
Mencer said Hamas were “trying to exact further compromises from Israel” and said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on Wednesday evening that “Hamas fold their last minute demand to change the deployment of IDF forces in the Philadelphi corridor” in Gaza, a zone that was a major security concern for Israel.
The deal, scheduled to be implemented from Sunday (January 19), outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands have been killed. Hostages taken by militant group Hamas, which controls the enclave, would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.
Israel's acceptance of the deal will not be official until it is approved by the country's security cabinet and government, and a vote was slated for Thursday, an Israeli official said.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed the meeting, accusing Hamas of making last-minute demands and going back on agreements.
