TEL AVIV, Israel — In a shocking turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed a Cabinet vote on the highly anticipated ceasefire deal that would bring a much-needed pause to the fighting in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of dozens of hostages.
The decision to delay the vote comes as Israeli airstrikes continue to pounded the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, killing at least 72 people and leaving many more injured.
The ceasefire deal, which has been months in the making, aims to establish a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas, the militant Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip.
Despite the optimism surrounding the deal, Netanyahu's decision to postpone the Cabinet vote has raised concerns that the agreement may be in jeopardy.
Israeli officials have cited concerns over the terms of the deal, including the release of hostages and the easing of economic restrictions on the Gaza Strip.
As the situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate, the international community is urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution.
The United Nations has condemned the violence and called for an immediate ceasefire, while the United States has expressed its support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority has accused Israel of using the ceasefire talks as a delaying tactic, and has urged the international community to take action to end the occupation of the Gaza Strip.
The delay in the Cabinet vote has sparked outrage among Palestinians, who have been living under the threat of Israeli airstrikes and economic blockade for years.
As the crisis deepens, it remains to be seen whether a ceasefire deal can be reached, and whether it will be enough to bring lasting peace to the region.