{"id":13134,"date":"2025-01-16T09:32:18","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T07:32:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rega.news\/?p=13134"},"modified":"2025-01-16T13:50:53","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T11:50:53","slug":"no-last-minute-changes-netanyahu-rejects-hamas-attempt-to-alter-hostage-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/reganews.co.il\/en\/no-last-minute-changes-netanyahu-rejects-hamas-attempt-to-alter-hostage-deal\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Official: Israel Is Not Withdrawing from the Philadelphi Route"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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Celebrations following news of the hostages\u2019 release | Photo: Itay Ron \/ Flash90
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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.<\/p>\n

Hostage Deal Progress Stalled<\/strong><\/p>\n

Earlier today, the Prime Minister\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Hamas Objections<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s last-minute extortion attempts.”<\/p>\n

Trump Team’s Response<\/strong><\/p>\n

Incoming U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz commented on the agreement during an interview with Fox News:
\n“If Hamas does not adhere to the terms of this agreement, we have made it clear to the Israelis\u2014and I want them to know this well: if you need to go back in, we are with you.”<\/p>\n

Deal Details<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the deal\u2019s specifics have not been officially disclosed, media and diplomatic reports suggest a clear picture of its structure:<\/p>\n

Hamas\u2019 Commitments: Releasing Hostages<\/strong><\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n