Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed a cabinet vote to approve the Gaza ceasefire deal, accusing Hamas of seeking last-minute changes to the agreement.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a loose end was being tied up and that he was confident the ceasefire would still begin on Sunday as planned.
Although Israeli negotiators agreed to the deal after months of talks, it cannot be implemented until it is approved by the security cabinet and government.
Hamas said it was committed to the deal, but the BBC understands it was trying to add some of its members to the list of Palestinian prisoners that would be released under the deal.
The delay came after Israeli strikes in Gaza following Wednesday's announcement of a deal killed more than 80 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
A few hours before the Thursday morning meeting was due, Netanyahu accused Hamas of trying to extort last minute concessions.
A statement from his office said the cabinet would not convene until Hamas accepted all elements of the agreement.
Mr. Blinken said such a delay was to be expected in such a challenging situation.
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