The Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel traded blame on Wednesday over their failure to conclude a ceasefire agreement despite progress reported by both sides in past days.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel traded blame on Christmas Day over their failure to agree on a ceasefire deal despite continuing efforts by US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Wednesday Israel has set new conditions that have led to delays in reaching a Gaza ceasefire agreement. Hamas said, however, that it was showing flexibility and that the talks on a ceasefire,

CAIRO — Israel and Hamas appear closer than they have been in months to agreeing to a ceasefire that could wind down the 14-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of people held hostage there. But the sides have come close before, only to have talks collapse over various disagreements . This round of negotiations also faces hurdles.

After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas appear to be moving closer toward a ceasefire to end their 14-month war.

PM's office says terror group 'reneging on understandings already reached' after Hamas claims Israel adding new demands; Qatar reportedly asks Israel to show more flexibility The post Israel accuses Hamas of foiling hostage deal with return to inflexible stance appeared first on The Times of Israel.