Israeli officials admit ceasefire violations, say Hamas is right: NYT

Israeli officials have privately acknowledged that Hamas was correct in accusing Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement, The New York Times has reported.

Three Israeli officials and two mediators, speaking anonymously, told the newspaper that Israel had not upheld its commitments under the deal.

Hamas announced on Tuesday it would suspend further captive releases, citing Israel’s repeated violations, including deadly attacks and the obstruction of aid deliveries to Gaza.

Despite this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to resume an Israeli assault in Gaza if captives are not released by Saturday at noon, effectively ending the truce.

The New York Times also noted that a major obstacle to extending the ceasefire is Netanyahu himself, who has delayed negotiations. Talks were supposed to begin last week, but Netanyahu only authorised a delegation to travel to Qatar - one of the mediators - early this week.