On 24 February 2025, Hamas official Basem Naim accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately derailing a Gaza ceasefire deal. Naim claimed that Netanyahu is blocking efforts to restore calm by refusing to release 620 Palestinians, who were slated for freedom on Saturday. He warned that without their release, the Palestinian side would suspend any further ceasefire discussions.
This accusation comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The Palestinian leadership sees the release of these detainees as essential for advancing peace talks, while critics argue that Netanyahu’s approach is aimed at undermining the process. With the conflict already volatile, Naim’s statement adds another layer to the ongoing struggle for stability in the area.
The dispute over the ceasefire deal reflects the deep mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians. As each side grapples with its own strategic interests, the international community continues to call for dialogue and compromise. With peace hanging in the balance, the failure to address key issues like detainee release may further escalate the conflict.
