Egypt, Qatar 'overcome' Gaza truce obstacles

Egypt and Qatar have successfully "overcome obstacles" hindering the completion of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Egyptian state-aligned media reported Thursday.

Citing an official source, Extra News said that Israel and Hamas were now committed to fully implementing the deal following a round of disputes that had called it into question.

The fragile ceasefire faced a significant test after Hamas said it would delay the next release of hostages scheduled for Saturday, alleging Israel has violated the truce by firing on people in Gaza and not allowing the agreed-upon number of tents, shelters and other vital aid to enter the territory.

Since the truce started on Jan. 19, Israeli fire has killed at least 92 Palestinians and wounded more than 800 others, said Munir al-Bursh, director general of the Health Ministry, on Tuesday. The Israeli military says it has fired on people who approach its forces or enter certain areas in violation of the truce.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the support of President Donald Trump, has warned that Israel would resume fighting if hostages are not freed on Saturday. Trump has threated that “all hell” will break out if the militant group does not release the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza by Saturday.