A senior political official clarified today (Thursday) that contrary to reports in some media outlets over the past 24 hours, Israel will not be withdrawing from the Philadelphi Route as part of the hostage deal. “The size of the forces will remain the same but will be deployed differently,” reiterating that Israel will maintain its presence in the route throughout Phase A of the agreement, lasting 42 days. “The size of the forces will remain unchanged but will be repositioned, including outposts, patrols, surveillance, and control along the entire route,” he added.
During Phase A, starting on the 16th day, negotiations on ending the war will commence. “If Hamas does not agree to Israel’s demands for ending the war and achieving its objectives, Israel will remain in the Philadelphi Route beyond Day 42 and potentially into Day 50,” the official noted.
Hostage Deal Progress Stalled
Earlier today, the Prime Minister’s Office updated that Hamas has backtracked on explicit understandings reached with mediators and Israel, creating a last-minute crisis. “Hamas is reneging on the explicit agreements, attempting last-minute extortion. Israel will not schedule a cabinet or government meeting until mediators confirm Hamas has approved all terms of the agreement,” the statement said.
The Hostage and Missing Persons Bureau also updated the families of the hostages, stating that Hamas has added demands contrary to the agreement reached with the mediators. Negotiations continue, but details of the deal remain unresolved. Families were urged to rely on official, verified sources for updates.
Hamas Objections
Hamas objects to a clause granting Israel veto power over the release of high-profile terrorists considered symbols of terror. Hamas seeks to dictate the identities of these prisoners. Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed the negotiation team to “stand firm on the agreed terms and reject Hamas’s last-minute extortion attempts.”
Trump Team’s Response
Incoming U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz commented on the agreement during an interview with Fox News:
“If Hamas does not adhere to the terms of this agreement, we have made it clear to the Israelis—and I want them to know this well: if you need to go back in, we are with you.”
Deal Details
While the deal’s specifics have not been officially disclosed, media and diplomatic reports suggest a clear picture of its structure:
Hamas’ Commitments: Releasing Hostages
Hamas is set to release 33 hostages, including about 10 deceased. Among the 23 living hostages are five female soldiers from the Nahal Oz base, elderly and ill individuals, and long-held captives Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed. The hostages will be released gradually:
- Day 1: Three hostages released.
- Day 7: Four hostages released.
- Day 14: Three hostages released.
- Day 21: Three hostages released.
- Day 28: Three hostages released.
- Day 35: Three hostages released.
- Days 36-42: Fourteen hostages released.
Israel’s Concessions: Land, Prisoners, and Aid:
- Prisoner Release: Israel will release one prisoner for every civilian hostage and 50 prisoners for each female soldier. Among the prisoners are approximately 200 with “blood on their hands.” They will not be allowed to return to the West Bank, though their relocation—whether to Gaza or elsewhere—remains undecided.
- War Captives: Around 1,000 detainees from Gaza, excluding elite fighters and those involved in attacks on Israel, will be released.
- Humanitarian Aid: The Rafah Crossing will open, allowing for daily evacuations of 50 wounded Hamas members and an increased allowance of 600 humanitarian aid trucks per day.
- Civilian Returns: Civilians will initially return northward on foot via the coastal route, followed by vehicle access along the central axis. Security checks will be managed by a private company approved by Israel and mediators.
- Philadelphi Corridor: If the deal progresses to Phase Two, the IDF will withdraw from this area entirely.
- Buffer Zone: Israel will maintain a 700-meter to 1-kilometer buffer zone along the entire border.
Mixed Reactions
Overnight, bereaved families and opponents of the deal camped outside the Prime Minister’s Office, demanding the agreement’s cancellation. Yehoshua Shani, whose son Captain Uri Shani was killed in combat in Gaza, stated: “We spent the night outside the Prime Minister’s Office in anguish over the fate of the hostages and Israel’s security. We urge the Prime Minister and Cabinet to stop this agreement—it represents surrender and jeopardizes the lives of hostages and Israel’s safety.”
Conversely, the Hostage Families’ Forum welcomed the deal, calling it a significant step forward: “This agreement brings us closer to the day when hostages return home—alive to their families and fallen to proper burial in their homeland. This journey won’t end until the last hostage returns.”
Intensified Activity in Gaza
Reports from Gaza indicate that massive explosions rocked the area overnight. According to sources, the IDF targeted buildings, destroyed residential structures, and eliminated dozens of militants in northern Gaza.
Yesterday, the IDF and Shin Bet struck dozens of terror targets, including key operatives from Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah. The IDF emphasized that Hamas systematically violates international law, exploiting civilians and infrastructure for terror activities. The military vowed to continue its robust operations against terror organizations.
Amid the Wait for Hamas’ Response: IDF Strikes Dozens of Terror Targets in Gaza (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)
