Israeli Security Cabinet Vote on Gaza Deal Delayed

story

JAN 16

Above: Israeli protesters block a road during a demonstration against the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in Jerusalem, Israel, on Jan. 16, 2025. Image copyright: Kobi Wolf/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Imagesstory last updated JAN 17

The Facts

Though an agreement between Israel and Hamas regarding a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages was announced on Wednesday, the meeting of Israel's security cabinet, to vote on the deal, has been delayed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused Hamas of holding up the deal in "a last-minute blackmail attempt." Hamas denied the accusation, claiming it had agreed to the deal, and adding that the agreement met all the group's conditions.
US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday: "we’ll be able to solve these last minute issues and get it moving." The deal, which is divided into three phases, is expected to come into effect on Sunday.

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Though there are some last-minute issues that still need to be ironed out, the deal has been agreed upon and the hostages are coming home. Reports that the deal have collapsed are overblown, and the remaining gaps will be resolved before the cease-fire comes into effect on Sunday. The US is proud of its role in mediating an end to this tragic conflict.

MSNBC

Pro-Israel narrative

Yet again, Hamas is using dirty tricks to delay and manipulate the process of negotiations. Though these issues can be solved, Israel will stand firm on its commitments and rejects Hamas' last-minute extortion attempts.

Jerusalem Post

Pro-Palestine narrative

As always, Netanyahu is stalling so that he can play politics. It has been quite clear over the last year that the only reason Netanyahu hasn't accepted a deal is because he fears his government will collapse if Smotrich and Ben-Gvir resign. Indeed, Netanyahu would rather continue Israel's genocide in Gaza than risk his political future.

Palestine Chronicle Middle East Monitor