Netanyahu Pauses Gaza Ceasefire Vote Amid ‘Crisis’; Deal Details Emerge as Violence Persists

Jerusalem/Doha/Gaza City – Hopes for a breakthrough in the Gaza Strip faced a significant setback Thursday, January 16, 2025, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unexpectedly delayed a cabinet vote on a proposed ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The move came just a day after the deal, mediated through intensive efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, was initially announced.

The proposed agreement, which had sparked tentative celebrations in Gaza and urgent appeals from families of Israeli hostages, was anticipated to mark a critical turning point in the protracted conflict.

Details of the Proposed Agreement

Sources involved in the mediation revealed that the framework for the ceasefire was slated to commence on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The initial phase outlined a comprehensive 42-day cessation of hostilities. Key components of this phase included a substantial increase in the volume of humanitarian aid permitted entry into Gaza, facilitating the return of displaced residents to their homes in northern Gaza, and a limited, but significant, exchange of prisoners.

Under the proposed terms, approximately 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza were to be released in exchange for the liberation of around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners currently held by Israel. This exchange was viewed by negotiators as a crucial step towards de-escalation and potential further talks.

Netanyahu Cites “Last Minute Crisis”

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to postpone the cabinet’s ratification of the agreement, announced on Thursday, January 16, 2025, was attributed to what he described as a “last minute crisis.” He further alleged that Hamas had reneged on prior understandings reached during the negotiations. This accusation, however, was swiftly denied by Hamas officials.

The delay has introduced considerable uncertainty into a process that many hoped was nearing completion, leaving the fate of the proposed ceasefire hanging in the balance.

Violence Persists Amidst Truce Talks

The announcement of a potential agreement did little to halt the ongoing violence on the ground. Reuters reported that since the deal was first announced on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Israeli actions had resulted in the deaths of at least 70 additional Palestinians in Gaza.

The following day, Thursday, January 16, 2025, saw continued intense hostilities. Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip reportedly killed at least 82 people. Among the casualties were 30 individuals killed in Gaza City. One particularly deadly overnight strike in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of 35 people within a single residence, underscoring the severe humanitarian toll of the conflict even as diplomatic efforts unfolded.

Divergent Reactions to the Potential Truce

News of the potential ceasefire agreement elicited varied responses from different stakeholders. In Gaza, there were widespread reports of celebrations, with residents expressing hope for an end to the intense conflict and the dire humanitarian conditions.

In Israel, families of the hostages held by Hamas reacted with urgent calls for the government to approve the deal, seeing it as the most viable path to securing the release of their loved ones. Rallies and public appeals intensified following the announcement of the delay.

Conversely, the proposed agreement faced strong opposition from some elements within the Israeli government’s right-wing coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly threatened to resign from the government if the ceasefire agreement was ultimately passed, highlighting the deep political divisions surrounding the potential deal.

The postponement by Prime Minister Netanyahu leaves the immediate future of the Gaza Strip and the prospects for a halt in fighting uncertain, with mediators continuing efforts to bridge the remaining gaps and salvage the fragile agreement.