A report in the Wall Street Journal this morning (Thursday) states that Hamas has conveyed a message to the mediators indicating its willingness to agree to a deal in which IDF forces will remain in the Gaza Strip temporarily even after the fighting. Additionally, the report claims that the terrorist organization provided a list of hostages, including U.S. citizens, who are slated to be released in the agreement, though Israel denies receiving such a list.
A source familiar with the details told the newspaper that Hamas is showing considerable flexibility on several issues, including the renunciation of the removal of the Israeli military presence in the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire. Furthermore, the terrorist organization agreed to relinquish its presence on the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing as part of such an agreement.
Lebanese report: The Israeli Delegation in Cairo Received a List of Hostages
In the backdrop of the report, an Israeli delegation visited Cairo this week. According to Lebanese news outlet, Al-Akhbar, the delegation included Shin Bet Chief Ronan Bar and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and it received a list of 30 hostages, including seniors over the age of 50 and those in need of medical treatment, who may be released in the first stage of the agreement, in exchange for 60 days of ceasefire, the release of terrorists, and the transfer of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
According to the Lebanese report, discussions were held in Egypt with the Israeli delegation regarding the military presence along the Philadelphia route and preparations for a possible ceasefire. Additionally, the report mentioned Egypt’s need to ensure the prevention of arms transfers into the territory of the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire would include a mutual commitment from both Israel and Hamas to refrain from military actions during its duration.
In regard to the hostages, it reports that an Israeli hostage will be released every two days, along with the provision of medications and medical treatments for some of the hostages, in exchange for the release of dozens of terrorists and the entry of additional humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, with soldiers being released only at a later stage of the agreement. In Israel, efforts are being made to increase the number of hostages released in return for an increase in the amount of aid entering.
Restoring the Rafah Crossing to Operation – Subject to Israeli Oversight
It was further reported that Israel has expressed “initial agreement” to restore the Rafah crossing to operation, provided it is managed by the Palestinian Authority and not by Hamas, and that the crossing will be subject to directives from an Israeli mechanism on both sides of the crossing. It was also noted that in the first days of the agreement, the exit of foreigners from the Gaza Strip will be permitted, as well as urgent medical cases.
This information follows an earlier report by the Journal at the beginning of the month, which claimed that Hamas is showing indications of flexibility in the deal regarding the retention of the IDF presence in the Gaza Strip.”
