(VOVWORLD) - The ceasefire agreement between the Israel Defense Forces and Hamas in Gaza is on the verge of collapse, Israeli media reported on Monday.
 Palestinians return to northern Gaza on January 27 as a ceasefire begins. (Photo: Reuters) |
The Walla news site said that after Hamas agreed to meet the conditions set by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in exchange for the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, the Israeli leader introduced new demands. Netanyahu demanded that Hamas immediately transfer the bodies of four hostages from Phase 1 to Israel. The transfer of the bodies could be carried by this weekend, just before the first phase of the agreement expires.
Netanyahu said late Saturday night that Israel will suspend the release of the Palestinian prisoners promised in the seventh exchange of Phase 1, despite Hamas having fulfilled its obligation to release six Israeli hostages. Hamas condemned the delay, and a senior official said they will not discuss Phase 2 of the deal until Israel releases the Palestinian prisoners as promised.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad on Monday accused Israel of wanting to annex the West Bank by force after tanks deployed into the occupied territory for the first time in decades.