Israel and Hamas have accused each other of stalling ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip, following Israel’s withdrawal of its negotiators on Tuesday for internal consultations.
Israeli officials cited Hamas’ refusal to provide a full list of hostages as a significant obstacle to progress. Reports suggest Hamas offered to share names for an initial release phase but resisted demands for a comprehensive list of the 100 hostages allegedly still alive.
Hamas, however, blamed Israel for introducing additional demands concerning troop withdrawals, the ceasefire terms, prisoner exchanges, and the return of displaced Palestinians. The group claimed these new conditions delayed an agreement that was reportedly close.
In a statement, Hamas said it had shown “responsibility and flexibility” in the negotiations.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office countered by accusing Hamas of backtracking on earlier agreements. “The Hamas terrorist organization continues to lie, reneging on understandings that have already been reached, and creating difficulties in the negotiations,” the statement read.
Despite the impasse, Israel reaffirmed its commitment to securing the release of all hostages, maintaining that efforts would continue relentlessly.
The talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have yet to yield a breakthrough as tensions in the region persist.
