Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has accused Hamas of breaching agreements and causing a last-minute “crisis” in the hostage release negotiations, according to a report by The Times of Israel.
“Hamas is reneging on the understandings and creating a last-minute crisis that is preventing an agreement,” the PMO stated, releasing its message in both English and Hebrew.
It added that “the Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement.”
The PMO also claimed that the current dispute revolves around the identity of Palestinian prisoners set for release. “Hamas is demanding to dictate the identity of these murderers,” it said, alleging this contradicts prior terms.
A leaked draft of the agreement indicated that prisoner releases would proceed “based on lists agreed upon by both sides.”
Yesterday, leaders including Qatar’s Prime Minister, U.S. President Joe Biden, and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced that a deal had been reached. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that final approval hinges on resolving outstanding issues.