Israel under immense ceasefire pressure as Hamas blamed for backtracking

Netanyahu is blaming Hamas for backtracking on the historical deal which was announced by the US on Wednesday afternoon.

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Palestinians gather to celebrate after the announcement of hostage deal on January 15, 2025 (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Israel is now under immense pressure to sort out a ceasefire deal with Hamas, ending the 15 month-long war that has killed tens of thousands.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is blaming Hamas for backtracking on the historical deal which was announced by the US on Wednesday afternoon.

The announcement sparked major celebrations amongst the rubbled buildings of Gaza and euphoria across Israel as hopes for hostage returns soared.

At the same time on Thursday, anti-ceasefire demonstrations took place in Tel Aviv from hardliner Israelis demanding the destruction of Hamas.

To be clear, the ceasefire, temporary as it may be, is meant to kick in on Sunday and as I write, at least 48 Gazan Palestinians have been killed in the past 24 hours.

That toll will doubtless soar in the coming days as we approach a hoped-for ceasefire deadline and pre-peace violence escalates - as it always does in the region.