A report in the Wall Street Journal this morning revealed that Hamas, for the first time, conveyed a message to the mediators that it would agree to a deal in which IDF forces would remain temporarily in the Gaza Strip even after the end of the fighting. According to the report, the terrorist organization passed a list of hostages, including U.S. citizens, who are about to be released in the agreement, but Israel denies that it has received such a list.
A source familiar with the details told the newspaper that Hamas presents great flexibility on several issues, including the waiver of the removal of the Israeli military presence in the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire. In addition, the terrorist organization agreed to give up presence on the Gaza side of the Rafah Crossing, as part of such an agreement.
Returning the Rafah Crossing to action – subject to Israeli control
It was also reported that Israel expressed “initial agreement” to return the Rafah crossing to activity, provided it is administered through the Palestinian Authority and not Hamas, and that the crossing will be subject to Israeli guidance on both sides of the crossing. It was also noted that in the first days of the agreement, foreigners will be allowed to leave the Gaza Strip, as well as for urgent medical cases.
The news follows a previous report by the Journal earlier this month, in which it was claimed that Hamas was showing indications of a deal’s realization in terms of leaving the IDF presence in the Gaza Strip.
Report in Lebanon: A list of hostages was given to the Israeli delegation
In the background of the report, an Israeli delegation visited Cairo this week. According to a report by the Lebanese news establishment Al-Akhbar, the delegation included Shin Bet chief Ronen Barr and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and received a list of 30 hostages, including adults over the age of 50 and those in need of medical care, 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, Egypt discussed with the Israeli delegation the military presence on the Philadelphi route, and the preparations for a possible ceasefire. In addition, according to the report, Egypt was required to ensure that it would prevent the transfer of weapons into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire will include a bilateral commitment from Israel and Hamas to refrain from carrying out military operations during the ceasefire.
The key to releasing the hostages is that an Israeli hostage will be released every two days, and medical treatment and medication will be provided to some of the hostages, in exchange for the release of dozens of terrorists and the entry of additional humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, when the soldiers will be released only later in the agreement. In Israel, there are efforts to increase the number of hostages released in exchange for increasing the amount of aid that the strip will receive.
