Israeli PM Netanyahu says Hamas ‘last minute crisis’ holding up ceasefire, hostage deal

Netanyahu alleges Hamas has been reneging on parts of the agreement to gain more concessions, but did not elaborate.

Published: January 16, 2025 8:05am

Updated: January 16, 2025 8:10am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday a "last-minute crisis” involving Hamas is preventing the recently ceasefire-hostage deal from becoming final. 

Netanyahu alleges Hamas has been reneging on parts of the agreement to gain more concessions but did not elaborate, according to The Associated Press.

He stated his cabinet would not approve the deal until Hamas backed down. 

Israel and Hamas appeared Wedneday to have reached a deal that will halt fighting in Gaza, resulting in the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Biden made a brief statement from the White House in which he said he was "deeply satisfied" with the deal and that his administration worked in unison with the incoming Trump administration to help broker the deal. 

Biden also said the release of hostages, including ones from the U.S., would be part of the deal.

Lawmakers in the U.S. have been pushing for a ceasefire deal since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7 in 2023.

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