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Middle East conflict

Israeli PM accuses Hamas of abandoning agreements reached under Gaza deal

On December 23, Netanyahu addressed the Knesset (parliament), announcing "some progress" in the negotiations for the release of hostages

TEL AVIV, December 25. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the Palestinian Hamas movement of reneging on previously reached agreements, thereby hindering progress toward a deal for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the group.

"The Hamas terrorist organization continues to lie, renege on previously reached agreements, and create obstacles in the negotiations," the Israeli prime minister's office said in a statement. The Jewish state "will continue its relentless efforts to secure the return of all hostages," the prime minister's office assured.

On December 23, Netanyahu addressed the Knesset (parliament), announcing "some progress" in the negotiations for the release of hostages.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7 after militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion on Israeli territory, killing many Israeli kibbutz residents living near the Gaza border and abducting more than 240 Israelis, including women, children and the elderly. Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and launched bombardments of the enclave and some areas in Lebanon and Syria, as well as a ground operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Clashes are also reported in the West Bank.

During a week-long Egypt and Qatar-mediated humanitarian ceasefire in late November 2023, more than 100 hostages were released, but the ceasefire was violated by Hamas on December 1, 2023 and Israel resumed its operation against the movement. Hostilities continue until now.

According to the latest data of the Israeli side, 100 hostages are still being held hostage in Gaza. Radicals claim that at least 33 hostages have died and several more are missing.

Middle East conflict

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