Gaza peace deal in danger of COLLAPSE before it even starts as Netanyahu accuses Hamas of ‘blackmail’ & blitz ‘kills 32’
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THE deal to free hostages held in Gaza is in danger of collapse after Israel accused Hamas terrorists of “last-minute blackmail.”. The much-anticipated historic deal to end 15 months of bloodshed and free the hostages was announced on Wednesday sparking celebrations across Israel and Gaza.
![[Billboard displaying photos of Israeli hostages with the hashtag #BringThemHomeNow.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-man-walks-past-large-963996806_84c3e1.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The deal which is set to go into effect on Sunday consists of three phases including the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Hopes for a ceasefire plan, brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have been in the works for over a year.
While the world breathed a sigh of relief when the agreement was reached, the Israeli PM accused Hamas of "blackmail" sparking fears the deal will collapse before it even starts. Israeli air strikes were reported to have killed 73 Palestinians in the 25-mile coastal strip overnight.
![[Emily Damari, British hostage in Gaza.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/collect-picture-emily-damari-brit-938532816_9cf6e0.jpg?strip=all&w=753)
And hours later, Israel accused Hamas of reneging on key parts of the complex deal - which has yet to be rubber-stamped by the Jewish nation's cabinet. A spokesman for Netanyahu's office said: "Hamas is backing out of the explicit understandings agreed upon with the mediators and Israel in a last-minute blackmail attempt.
![[Illustration of a three-phase peace deal for the Middle East, showing ceasefire, hostage release, and border details.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AP-16-01-israel-hamas-ceasefire-graphic.jpg?strip=all&w=553)
"Israel will not set a date for a cabinet and government meeting until the mediators announce that Hamas has approved all the details of the agreement.". Israel's cabinet was set to vote on the ceasefire deal later today but the crucial ratification meeting is now in doubt.
![[Smiling baby holding a pink stuffed animal.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image_4f2fb4.png?strip=all&w=620)
