Terror group claims 'technical reasons' are behind the delay, while Netanyahu warns deal won't proceed unless Hamas hands over the names; Trump says agreement 'better hold'
Latest news and live updates as a Gaza ceasefire deal is reached after more than a year of war between Israel and Hamas.
U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators shuttled between the Israeli and Hamas delegations in Doha on Tuesday, where officials said a deal to halt the war is near.
The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, appear to be making progress after months of failed attempts to achieve a breakthrough.
Netanyahu's office said Thursday his Cabinet won't meet to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal until Hamas backs down from what it called a "last minute crisis."
President Joe Biden and his top diplomats, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had sought closure during his term.
The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched a high-level delegation to Doha to help seal a hostage and cease-fire deal, according to reports.
Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said, and mediators sought to quell fighting ahead of the truce's start on Sunday.
Latest news and live updates as a Gaza ceasefire deal is reached after more than a year of war between Israel and Hamas.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said the U.S. wanted a ceasefire deal in Gaza and all remaining captives released before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.