
Palestinians celebrate the imminent announcement of a ceasefire deal in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip. AP
Under the three-phased deal, Hamas would release dozens of captives in exchange for Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
It would also allow hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza to return to what remains of their homes.
Netanyahu claimed that Hamas was objecting to a part of the agreement that gave Israel the ability to veto the release of certain Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas was trying to dictate which Palestinian prisoners would be released, Netanyahu said.
He said he told Israeli negotiators to stand firm on the earlier agreement. Hamas did not immediately respond to Netanyahu’s statement.
Israel's cabinet was expected to meet Thursday to approve the ceasefire deal, Israeli media reported, a day after mediators Egypt, Qatar and the US announced an agreement they hope will lead to a permanent end to the Gaza war.
The truce would take effect on Sunday and involve the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners, after which the terms of a broader peace deal would be finalised, the prime minister of mediator Qatar said Wednesday.
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