Live Update
From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Official says Hamas lying about Israeli demands in order to avoid finalizing deal
Amy Spiro is a reporter and writer with The Times of Israel

A demonstrator raises a placard during an protest calling for action to secure the release of Israelis held hostage in Gaza, in Tel Aviv on January 14, 2025 (Photo by Jack GUEZ / AFP)
An Israeli diplomatic official accuses Hamas of making up lies to try and avoid finalizing a ceasefire-hostage release deal.
“Hamas is making false claims that Israel added new conditions to the negotiations — in order to avoid executing the agreement,” the source tells diplomatic reporters.
Both Israeli and Arab officials have indicated behind the scenes that a deal is hours or days away from being signed in Doha, but no final agreement has been announced.