A rally calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza at Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv, 21 December 2024 Photo: Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90
Israeli Prime Minister: terrorist organisation is “retreating from agreements”
Israel has accused Hamas of disrupting negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, saying the terrorist organisation has once again taken a hard line, which is hampering progress towards an agreement. This was stated in the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, Time of Israel reports.
“The Hamas terrorist organisation is lying again,” the statement said. “It is backtracking on previous agreements and continuing to complicate the negotiations. However, Israel will continue to work tirelessly to bring all of our hostages home.”
Contradictions in the negotiations
Hamas, for its part, accused Israel of putting forward new demands, including withdrawal of troops, ceasefire conditions and the return of displaced persons to their homes. In a statement, the terrorist organisation claimed that the negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, were allegedly progressing “seriously and responsibly”, but that Israel was delaying the conclusion of the agreement.
However, sources familiar with the process said that the leader of Hamas in Gaza, Mohammed Sinwar, took an even harder line than his brother Yahya, who was killed by Israel in October. This has made it difficult to reach a compromise.
Key differences
One of the main stumbling blocks was Hamas’ unwillingness to provide a list of hostages to be released. In the first phase of the deal, it was planned to release women, children, elderly men and sick hostages. But even in this aspect, disputes arose: Israel insists on including young men with injuries or illnesses, while Hamas considers them soldiers and strategically important prisoners.
In addition, the terrorist organisation has renewed its demand to include in the agreement the conditions for the final end of the war, which it had previously refused.
The role of intermediaries and international pressure
Qatar, which is a key mediator, is calling on Israel to show more flexibility and provide guarantees that hostilities will not resume after the first phase of the agreement is implemented. Meanwhile, Israel is hoping for increased support from the international community, in particular the new US administration led by Donald Trump, which is expected to put more pressure on Hamas.
Israeli officials stress that the country is ready to continue negotiations, but will not compromise the safety of its citizens and efforts to return the hostages.
