Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a "last-minute crisis" with Hamas was holding up Israeli approval of a long-awaited agreement to pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip and release dozens of hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office alleged that Hamas had backed out on parts of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal agreed Wednesday, potentially delaying a truce between the two sides that was set to go into effect on Sunday—a day before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced pressure for months from political allies and the families of hostages and soldiers to end the Gaza war, but analysts say he now hopes the ceasefire will help him stay in power.