Netanyahu says Cabinet won’t meet on cease-fire until Hamas backs down

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced Thursday that the Cabinet would not convene to ratify a proposed Gaza cease-fire until Hamas withdraws demands it described as a “last-minute crisis.”

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of backtracking on key elements of the agreement, alleging the group sought “to extort last-minute concessions.”

The statement provided no specifics regarding the nature of the alleged demands.

The Cabinet was initially scheduled to approve the deal on Thursday, signaling progress toward ending the hostilities.

Hamas has not yet issued a response to the Israeli government’s accusations.

The cease-fire negotiations, reportedly brokered with international mediation, aim to halt weeks of escalating violence in Gaza. The delay comes as tensions remain high, with civilian populations on both sides bearing the brunt of the conflict.