Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement with Hamas is still not complete and the final details are being worked out.
Netanyahu’s statement comes hours after the United States and Qatar announced the deal, which would pause the devastating 15-month war in Gaza and clear the way for dozens of hostages to go home. The conflict has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.
Large crowds of joyful Palestinians took to the streets in Gaza when the agreement was announced, cheering and honking car horns.
"No one can feel the feeling that we are experiencing now, an indescribable, indescribable feeling," said Mahmoud Wadi in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah before joining a chanting crowd.
The Israel Hamas-war has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to health authorities there. The Health Ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians, but says women and children make up more than half the fatalities.
Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, when militants stormed into southern Israel and killed about 1,200 people and abducted around 250. A third of the 100 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be dead.
Here’s the latest:
- Netanyahu claims Hamas backtracked on an earlier understanding about prisoner release in the ceasefire deal
- Mediators will next head to Cairo for talks on implementing the ceasefire, US official says
- Gaza's second-largest militant group hails the ceasefire deal as 'honorable'
- 2 American hostages could be in first group freed from Gaza, US official says
- Netanyahu says the ceasefire is still not complete, hours after US announces deal
By Aamer Madhani
Summary:
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been announced, bringing hope for peace and stability in the region. The deal includes the release of hostages and a pause in the devastating war in Gaza.
