Israeli media has reported that the Israeli government is accused of attempting to sabotage a US-backed ceasefire proposal by introducing new demands, despite having previously accepted the plan.

Hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza had increased after reports indicated that Hamas had initially approved a new phased deal proposal following nine months of war since the October 7 attack.

Egyptian officials and Hamas representatives stated that Hamas had dropped a key demand for Israel to commit to a definitive end to the war before any pause in hostilities.

According to Reuters and the Associated Press, Hamas officials were now awaiting a response from Israel, where protests were held urging the government to reach an agreement to bring back hostages still held in Gaza.

David Barnea, the chief of Mossad, was reported to have provided mediators in Qatar with a list of new reservations over the weekend, as per Israeli media, The Guardian reported.

Haaretz cited a source familiar with the details, stating that Israel’s new demands were expected to delay negotiations, and it was unclear whether Hamas would agree to them.

The source mentioned that Hamas had already agreed to Israel’s latest position, but new demands were presented in a meeting on Friday.

Haaretz reported that negotiations with Hamas were expected to last “at least three weeks” before the deal could be implemented.

Written by B.C. Begley