Not a done deal as Hamas reneging: Israel

Prime Minister's Office says Hamas is backing out of the understanding and creating a last-minute crisis

- AP

PRIME Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that a last-minute dispute with Hamas was holding up Israeli approval of a long-awaited ceasefire that would pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages.

The statement from Netanyahu's office signaled complications with the deal shortly after US President Joe Biden and key mediator Qatar announced it was complete. That created a dual reality: War-weary Palestinians in Gaza, the relatives of hostages held there and world leaders all welcomed an agreement, expected to begin Sunday, even as Netanyahu said it was not yet finalized.

"Hamas is backing out of the understandings and creating a last-minute crisis that prevents a settlement," Netanyahu's office said.