Israel’s Netanyahu accuses Hamas of trying to back out of cease-fire deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of reneging on a cease-fire deal to release hostages and bring an end to over a year of conflict. Netanyahu’s office stated that his Cabinet would not convene to approve the Gaza cease-fire agreement until Hamas resolved what was described as a “last-minute crisis.”

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office claimed that Hamas was attempting to backtrack on elements of the agreement in a bid to extract concessions at the eleventh hour. The Israeli Cabinet had been scheduled to ratify the deal on Thursday.

During a news conference on Wednesday, President Biden, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, outlined a three-phase plan for the implementation of the cease-fire agreement. The first phase, lasting six weeks, would involve a comprehensive cease-fire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s populated areas, and the release of hostages held by Hamas, including women, elderly individuals, and the wounded. President Biden proudly announced that Americans would play a role in the hostage release during this initial phase.

In return for these actions, Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and Palestinians were permitted to return to their neighborhoods throughout Gaza. Additionally, a significant influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza was set to commence.

This development comes amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with the promise of a cease-fire offering a glimmer of hope for de-escalation in the region. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as the situation evolves.

Fox News Digital’s Efrat Lachter and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Stay tuned for further developments on this story.

Author: Bradford Betz, Fox News Digital Breaking Reporter.