Netanyahu, Hamas trade blame on cease-fire as far-right mob storms Israeli bases

Hamas accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday of adding new conditions to the cease-fire proposal currently on the table in an attempt to torpedo the deal that would see the release of hostages held by Hamas and a cease-fire in Gaza.

A statement issued by the group said it had received the latest response from Israel following Sunday's talks in Rome between Israel and mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar. "It is clear from what the mediators conveyed that Netanyahu has returned to his strategy of procrastination, evasion and avoiding reaching an agreement by setting new conditions and demands," noted the statement, claiming that Netanyahu retreated from a proposal initiated previously by Israel itself.

Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported Monday that Israel objects to the release of 100 Palestinian prisoners charged with murder and serving life sentences. The report also read that Israel wants the deal to include provisions preventing released Palestinian prisoners from returning to Gaza or the West Bank.

Netanyahu has been insisting on two conditions for any deal: verifying that no armed Hamas militants return to the north of the Gaza Strip and ensuring that Israel preserves control over the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the Gaza side of the Egyptian border. Netanyahu has also pushed for Israel to have veto rights over the Palestinian prisoners to be released in a potential deal.