Hamas, Israel trade blame over ceasefire breakdown as Gaza conflict worsens

The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel shows no sign of de-escalating as both sides traded blame for the failure to reach a ceasefire agreement, despite recent signs of progress.

Hamas accused Israel of introducing additional conditions that have stalled negotiations, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to a statement from the militant group, the Israeli government has imposed new demands concerning the withdrawal of troops, a ceasefire, the return of prisoners, and the repatriation of displaced persons. "The occupation has set new conditions, which has delayed reaching the agreement that was available," Hamas stated, adding that it had been showing flexibility in the talks, which have been mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of reneging on previously agreed-upon terms. "The Hamas terrorist organization continues to lie, is reneging on understandings that have already been reached, and is continuing to create difficulties in the negotiations," Netanyahu declared, while emphasizing that Israel's efforts to return hostages would continue unabated.

On December 24 evening, Israeli negotiators returned from Qatar after significant discussions regarding a potential hostage agreement, which remain central to the broader talks. Mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have intensified their efforts over the past two weeks, yet one of the primary obstacles has been the issue of Israeli troop deployments in Gaza.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, speaking to commanders in southern Gaza on December 25, stated that Israel would maintain control over the security of the enclave. This would include the establishment of buffer zones and controlling posts, particularly as Israel seeks to ensure its security and diminish Hamas’ capabilities.

The military conflict remains fierce, especially in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces continue their offensive. Hospitals in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia, located in the northern region of Gaza, have been caught in the crossfire, with airstrikes killing at least 24 people across Gaza on December 25. Among the strikes was one that hit a former school sheltering displaced families in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan neighborhood.

Israel maintains that its operations are necessary for its security, particularly to dismantle Hamas’ rule over Gaza, ensuring that the group can no longer pose a threat to Israelis. Palestinians, on the other hand, have accused Israel of attempting to depopulate northern Gaza to create a permanent buffer zone. Israel denies this, asserting that its instructions for civilians to evacuate are solely for their protection.

The violence, which began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 45,300 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials. The war, triggered by that attack, has displaced much of Gaza’s population, leaving the territory in ruins.

By Khagan Isayev