In Israel, there is an impression that Hamas intends to continue with the phased releases of hostages and prefers not to renew fighting. Yesterday (Monday), sources from Palestinian terrorist organizations involved in the negotiations told the Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper that there is progress regarding the implementation of the hostage deal.
At the same time, according to Israeli reports, a compromise is forming in which two deceased hostages will be transferred to Egypt within the next 24 hours, after which 301 terrorists will be released—half of the number that Hamas initially demanded. After the release of the two deceased, the transfer of two more is expected; upon their return, the second half of the terrorists will be released.
Hamas Under Pressure
Hamas’s conduct in recent days appears to differ from its previous approach. It seems that the terrorist organization is showing more flexibility in its phases and releases of hostages, which may indicate pressure being applied to it, particularly in light of the stance of the U.S. administration.
“We are prepared for the release of the living hostages in the second phase of the agreement to occur in one batch rather than in several phases,” said Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem in an interview with a Qatari channel yesterday, in an effort to advance the deal. This marks a significant shift in Hamas’s tactics, which had previously preferred to release hostages in stages to maximize political gains.
IDF Ready for Continued Fighting
Meanwhile, the IDF has completed preparations for the renewal of fighting. Forces are deployed along the border of the Gaza Strip, and those familiar with the details indicate that the likelihood of renewed combat is increasing. A political source clarified: “If the U.S. administration does not surprise us with a bold move, we will return to fighting. It’s a complex web of considerations, and therefore we will explore interim solutions.”
