Israel and Hamas blame each other for delays in ceasefire talks as deal inches closer
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Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Hamas of lying and ‘reneging on understandings already reached’. Israel and Hamas have accused each other of complicating ceasefire efforts as the two sides inch closer to a deal that could wind down the 14-month war in Gaza.
![[A Palestinian man walks with children in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on 24 December]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/24/15/SEI234172520.jpg)
It emerged last week that a ceasefire deal which would also see Israeli hostages freed was believed to be close, after months of deadlock while Israel’s 14-month war in Gaza continues to rage. The Independent previously reported that the truce being discussed would last for an initial 60 days, with Israeli forces likely to pull out of city centres in Gaza and the coastal road – but stopping short of the complete withdrawal for which Hamas has consistently demanded.
In a new statement, Hamas said: “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.”. However, in a more positive tone, the militant group said the negotiations – mediated by Qatar – were progressing in a serious direction, and insisted that it was showing flexibility during the talks.
But Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit back on Wednesday to accuse the Palestinian militant group of lying. “The terrorist organisation Hamas is lying again,” Mr Netanyahu’s office said in a statement, accusing the group of “reneging on the understandings already reached, and continuing to make it difficult for the negotiations.”.
