Israel accuses Hamas of backtracking on fragile ceasefire deal

Israel has accused Hamas of backtracking on parts of a fragile ceasefire and hostage release deal, which was announced by mediators Qatar and the United States on Wednesday. The deal would take effect on Sunday, involving the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, after which further terms for a permanent end to the war would be finalized. However, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed that Hamas had "reneged on parts of the agreement" in an effort to extort last-minute concessions. Hamas denied the accusations.

Since the announcement of the deal, Israeli airstrikes have continued in Gaza, killing at least 73 people and injuring hundreds. The war, sparked by the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties, with tens of thousands of lives lost on both sides.

The ceasefire and hostage exchange deal followed months of negotiations and involved intensive efforts from mediators. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed satisfaction over the deal, highlighting its potential to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza and reunite hostages with their families. However, the agreement's implementation faces challenges, with disagreements within Israel's ruling coalition and political opposition to the deal from far-right ministers.