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.

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.

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,

A series of meetings in Cairo and Doha have led to renewed optimism about the prospect of a deal between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian Islamists in Gaza, ending the war there after over 14 months.

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.