Israel and Hamas have once again hit a peace talk roadblock. The situation looked promising on Wednesday, when officials announced a ceasefire deal. Now Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a “last minute crisis” with Hamas has held up Israel’s approval of the deal.
This week, officials from Israel and Hamas met in neutral territory, the country of Qatar. They worked out a deal to end their 15-month war. The proposed plan would put a six-week freeze on the fighting. It would allow for talks that could end the war entirely. According to the agreement, Hamas would release dozens of hostages back to Israel. Likewise, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The Israeli Cabinet planned to vote on the deal on January 16. But on Thursday morning, Netanyahu’s office said the Cabinet would not meet until Hamas backs down. Netanyahu accuses Hamas of reneging on (going back on) parts of the agreement. What exactly is Hamas demanding? Netanyahu hasn’t offered much explanation. Earlier, Netanyahu accused Hamas of backtracking part of the deal that would let Israel decide which prisoners to release.
Izzat al-Rishq, a senior Hamas official, says his group “is committed to the ceasefire agreement.” Many in Israel also want to see a deal take place. Netanyahu faces much pressure from fellow officials to see the safe return of Hamas-held hostages.
But other Israeli officials have pushed back on the ceasefire. They call it “bad and dangerous” for Israel. Hamas is an Islamist terrorist group. It has a long history of opposition to the existence of Israel as a nation. Some Israeli officials are cautious about making deals with the organization. Some of those Israeli officials have even threatened to bring down Netanyahu’s government if he makes too many compromises with Hamas.
Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy overnight bombardment from Israel as people were celebrating the ceasefire. They say the strikes killed at least 72 Palestinians.
Continue to pray for a lasting peace. Ask God to give His wisdom to the decisionmakers in Israel and Gaza. Ask Him to protect innocent lives caught in the conflict.
Watch teen.gwnews.com for updates as the situation develops.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. — Matthew 5:9
