Jerusalem: Hamas and Israel continued to trade accusations on Wednesday over delays in finalizing a ceasefire agreement, despite recent reports of progress in negotiations.
Hamas claimed that Israel introduced additional conditions, stalling the agreement. “The occupation has set new conditions related to withdrawal, ceasefire, prisoners, and the return of the displaced, which has delayed reaching the agreement that was available,” Hamas stated. The group emphasized its willingness to show flexibility, describing the Qatar- and Egypt-mediated talks as serious.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, accused Hamas of backtracking. “The Hamas terrorist organization continues to lie, is reneging on understandings that have already been reached, and is continuing to create difficulties in the negotiations,” he said, while affirming that Israel would persist in its efforts to secure the return of hostages.
Mothers and daughters of Hamas hostages held a silent protest in Tel Aviv, but it was cut short by a security alert amid ongoing blame between Hamas and Israel over the failure to reach a ceasefire https://t.co/AWs8yYRpSE pic.twitter.com/zlfDRSUHzM
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 26, 2024
Ongoing Negotiations
After a significant week of negotiations in Qatar, Israeli negotiators returned home for consultations regarding a potential hostage deal. Both Qatar and Egypt, with support from the United States, have ramped up efforts to finalize a phased agreement over the past two weeks. However, disputes over Israeli troop deployments in Gaza remain a major sticking point.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel’s intention to maintain security control of Gaza. Speaking to commanders in the southern region, Katz said this would include buffer zones and controlling posts. Hamas, on the other hand, continues to demand an end to the war, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas’ control over Gaza to neutralize the group’s threat.
Intensified Military Action
In the meantime, Israeli forces have escalated their offensive in the northern Gaza Strip. The campaign, described as one of the most severe in the 14-month conflict, has targeted areas around key hospitals in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia. Health officials reported at least 24 casualties across Gaza on Wednesday, including a strike on a former school sheltering displaced families in Sheikh Radwan, a Gaza City suburb.
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The Israeli military confirmed targeting Hamas operatives in Al-Furqan and Al-Mawasi, areas where several civilians were reported dead or injured. Palestinians have accused Israel of attempting to permanently depopulate northern Gaza to establish a buffer zone. Israel has denied the allegations, stating its actions are meant to protect civilians by urging them to evacuate conflict zones.
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Casualties and the Humanitarian Toll
The ongoing war, triggered by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has claimed thousands of lives. Israel reported 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken during the assault. The subsequent military campaign has killed over 45,300 Palestinians, according to health authorities in Hamas-controlled Gaza. The humanitarian crisis has displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and left the enclave in ruins.
