Ceasefire Standoff: New Conditions Threaten Gaza Truce

Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of hindering a ceasefire in Gaza by adding new conditions to a U.S.-backed truce proposal. Mediators reported Israel's response, highlighting Netanyahu's procrastination strategy. Despite close talks with the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, the agreement remains elusive, with both parties open to further negotiations.

Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of blocking a ceasefire in Gaza by imposing new conditions and demands on a U.S.-backed truce proposal. This follows the latest round of talks facilitated by mediators.

The group claimed to have received Israel's latest reply after discussions in Rome involving Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. 'It is clear from what the mediators conveyed that Netanyahu has returned to his strategy of procrastination, evasion, and avoiding reaching an agreement by setting new conditions and demands,' Hamas stated on Monday.

The Islamist faction accused Netanyahu of retreating from a proposal previously presented by mediators, which was reportedly based on an 'Israeli paper.' Washington, which sponsors the talks, has repeatedly said that a deal is close, with the latest round focusing on a proposal unveiled by President Joe Biden in May. While Hamas seeks a ceasefire to end the war in Gaza, Netanyahu insists that the conflict will only cease once Hamas is defeated. Mediators Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have stated that discussions remain open, with both Israel and Hamas expressing readiness for continued negotiations.