Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Thursday that his Cabinet will not convene to ratify the Gaza ceasefire agreement until Hamas complies with the terms. Allegations have been made by Netanyahu’s office that Hamas is attempting to secure additional concessions by failing to uphold parts of the agreement. A “last-minute crisis” with the organization has been cited as the reason for the delay in Israel’s approval of the eagerly awaited ceasefire.

Concurrently, airstrikes by Israel across the Gaza Strip have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 72 individuals since the announcement of the ceasefire deal, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. Residents in Gaza noted intense bombardments during the night, coinciding with the celebrations of the ceasefire deal. In past conflicts, both parties have intensified military operations just before ceasefires take effect to display strength, a tactic once again reflected in the current situation.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the count of 72 fatalities includes 48 individuals who were killed since midday on Wednesday, a significant portion of whom were women and children. Zaher al-Wahedi, the head of the ministry’s registration department, commented on the situation, indicating that the actual death toll might be higher as it only accounts for those bodies brought to hospitals.

According to the ceasefire agreement reached on Wednesday, a total of 33 hostages are to be released over the next six weeks in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians detained by Israel. The remainder of the hostages will be released in a second phase, contingent on ongoing negotiations. Hamas, however, insists that it will not relinquish the remaining captives without a comprehensive ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The ongoing Israeli offensive has reportedly led to the deaths of over 46,000 people in Gaza, with most casualties being women and children, as per the Health Ministry data. There has been no disclosure regarding how many of these deceased individuals were militants, with Israel claiming to have killed more than 17,000 fighters, although they have not substantiated this claim with evidence.

In recent updates, Gaza’s Health Ministry disclosed that at least 72 individuals lost their lives due to Israeli strikes since the announcement of the ceasefire deal. The toll from one day’s strikes only accounts for bodies received by two hospitals in Gaza City, suggesting that the overall casualty figures could be much higher.

In JERUSALEM, a group representing families of soldiers who died in combat has expressed its dissent regarding the ceasefire deal with Hamas. The Gvura Forum raised concerns that the agreement will not lead to Hamas’s destruction and may free Palestinians convicted of violent crimes against Israelis. They demonstrated in Jerusalem, showcasing rows of mock coffins draped in the Israeli flag to symbolize the potential consequences of accepting the deal.

Members of this group shared their fears that the ceasefire could result in leaving some Israeli hostages behind in Gaza if the agreement collapses. Yehoshua Shani, whose son died in battle on October 7, 2023, stated that he had hoped the new U.S. administration might influence Hamas to secure better terms.

Although there is considerable support among Israelis for a ceasefire that ensures the return of hostages and ends the war in Gaza, some families of deceased soldiers and hostages are firmly opposed to concessions that they believe would favor Hamas.

In Moscow, Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed optimism that the much-anticipated ceasefire agreement could foster lasting stability in Gaza. The ministry praised the efforts of Qatari and Egyptian mediators while acknowledging the involvement of representatives from the new U.S. administration during the final negotiations. They stated their expectations that the agreement would stabilize the situation and facilitate the return of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to their families.

Families mourning the loss of four individuals killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza held a funeral service for a Palestinian journalist on Thursday. The strike hit a food charity during the announcement of the ceasefire deal, leading to widespread grief among relatives and friends.

In Taiwan, China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the ceasefire agreement, expressing hopes for its effective implementation in achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. They pledged continued humanitarian assistance and sought to work alongside the international community to promote stability in the Middle East.

In Baghdad, the leader of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia declared a suspension of their operations against Israel following the Gaza ceasefire agreement but issued a warning that hostilities could resume if the truce is breached. Akram al-Kaabi emphasized their solidarity with the people of Palestine and declared their military readiness.

Meanwhile, Syria’s new foreign minister advocated for lifting sanctions on the country imposed during the rule of former President Bashar Assad. He stated the current leadership seeks to mend ties with nations that severed relations during the Syrian civil war and emphasized the need for such sanctions to be removed for economic and security stability.

Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry echoed similar sentiments regarding the ceasefire, calling for its full implementation along with the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, asserting that peace cannot be achieved without ending Israel’s occupation.

On a related note, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard hailed the ceasefire as a significant win for Hamas, declaring that the resistance front remains resilient and steadfast against Israeli actions. They likened this moment to previous events where Israel faced considerable setbacks.

In Pakistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire while criticizing Israel for the substantial loss of life and destruction caused by its military actions. They expressed hopes for the truce to lead to a permanent ceasefire and increased humanitarian support.

Lastly, both Japan and South Korea commended the ceasefire, seeing it as a crucial step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Officials from both nations urged for the prompt enforcement of the agreement to ensure the release of hostages and significant improvements in the living conditions within the territory.