Hamas and Israel 'blame each other' for delaying ceasefire agreement

Palestinian armed factions Hamas and Israel have held each other accountable over the delay in the Gaza war truce agreement.

Hamas claimed in a statement on the 25th local time that Israel is "delaying reaching an agreement by presenting new conditions for withdrawal, ceasefire, and return of prisoners."

"We are showing flexibility and ceasefire negotiations are being seriously carried out in Doha with the mediation of Qatar and Egypt," he added.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a rebuttal, arguing that Hamas has abandoned what was already agreed in hostage talks and created new obstacles to hinder negotiations.

Hamas and Israel have been negotiating a cease-fire and the release of hostages in Doha, Qatar, in recent weeks, mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

Hamas kidnapped and detained 251 soldiers and civilians after a surprise attack on southern Israel in October last year that killed more than 1,200 people.