Live: Israel delays cabinet meeting, accuses Hamas of reneging on peace deal

Israel has delayed a critical cabinet meeting, accusing Hamas of reneging on elements of the long-awaited peace deal.

A vote on the long-awaited Israel and Hamas peace deal by the Israeli cabinet has been delayed with Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hamas of trying to “extort last minute concessions”.

The cabinet had been expected to meet around 11am local time to ratify the deal, which was announced on Wednesday night.

“Hamas has reneged on parts of the agreement reached with the mediators and Israel in an effort to extort last-minute concessions”, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement, adding the situation created a “last minute crisis”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of backtracking on part of the peace deal. (Photo by JANEK SKARZYNSKI / AFP)

Hamas has issued a response through Reuters and Palestinian media rejecting the claim.

In a statement the group said: “Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by the mediators.”

However there are also murmurings that the real reason for Mr Netanyahu’s reticence to go to a vote is opposition from his cabinet which includes hard right wingers who don’t want the war to end.

A ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas is expected to come into force on Sunday.

There will be an initial truce last six-weeks but for now the fighting continues.

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