AnyTV News Gaza Ceasefire: Netanyahu's big announcement - "The ceasefire in Gaza will not be effective until Hamas gives the list of hostages" -

Image Source: AP
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel.

Deir Al-Balah: Under the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the release of hostages and prisoners from both sides was to take place from 8.30 am on Sunday, but again the matter seems to be stuck. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that a ceasefire in Gaza would not take effect until Hamas received a list of hostages to be released. He reiterated the warning in a statement just an hour before the ceasefire was to take effect at around 8:30 a.m. local time.

Let us tell you that Hamas has cited “technical reasons” for the delay in handing over the names. It said in a statement that it remained committed to the ceasefire agreement announced last week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that his country considers the ceasefire with Hamas to be temporary and reserves the right to continue fighting if necessary.

Netanyahu’s address to the nation

Addressing the nation just 12 hours before the ceasefire was to begin, Netanyahu claimed he had the support of US President-elect Donald Trump, with whom he had spoken on Wednesday. Netanyahu also cited Israel’s military successes in Lebanon and Syria as the reason for Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire. “We have changed the face of the Middle East,” Netanyahu said. But until Hamas gives the list of hostages, this ceasefire will not be effective. (AP)