Israel and Hamas blamed each other after negotiations for the release of hostages seemed to have come to a grinding halt.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office accused Hamas of lying about the ceasefire negotiations and backtracking on their promises.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 22, 2024
"Just as we have acted forcefully against the terror arms of Iran's axis of evil, so too will we act against the Houthis. https://t.co/wo9MTm0F7x pic.twitter.com/mEYiTfINKG
“The terrorist organization Hamas is lying again, reneging on the understandings already reached, and continuing to make it difficult for the negotiations," the PMO said in a statement.
Netanyahu's office said Israel will continue its efforts to get the hostages released.
However, Iran-backed Hamas alleged that Israel is making new demands during the negotiations. The group said it was "responsible and flexible" in the ceasefire negotiations mediatated by Qatar and Egypt. But Hamas said Israel brought up new demands for withdrawal, ceasefire, prisoners and rehabilitation of dispaced Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Hamas has refused to provide the list of living and dead hostages who would be released in the first phase of the ceasefire. The proposed truce is planned in three stages.
Israel and Hamas are yet to finalise the number of Palestinian prisoners who will be released. Hamas has also sought to end the war permanently.
Hamas has asked Israel to withdraw from Palestinian cities and allow people to return home. Though Israel has approved rehabilitation of people in Gaza City, it is opposed to people returning to northern areas near its border.
