"After intense days and nights, there has been progress on all components of the agreement's formula. We still don't know if the deal will be finalized within hours or days," said diplomatic sources today (Monday), who refrained from predicting when the deal might take effect. According to the sources, "Significant achievements have been made, and optimal conditions for a deal have been created that were previously unattainable."
Though much of the framework remains shrouded in secrecy, it is known that the first phase involves the release of 33 hostages from the recognized humanitarian list. In exchange, Israel will release Hamas prisoners, including some convicted murderers, although they will not be sent to Judea and Samaria. Additionally, the IDF will withdraw from Gaza but maintain a presence in buffer zones. The withdrawal will proceed gradually, contingent on the deal's progress.
The humanitarian list includes 33 individuals: women, civilians and soldiers, children, elderly men over 50, and individuals classified as ill or in humanitarian conditions. Diplomatic sources estimate that most hostages on this list are alive, though Hamas has yet to confirm their status.
The ongoing negotiations address both the living and the deceased hostages, creating complexities in determining the release conditions for prisoners in exchange. A diplomatic source explained, "The negotiations currently focus on the specific elements of the first phase, dubbed 'Phase A.' Discussions for the second phase will begin during the first phase's implementation."
The source emphasized that Israel retains significant assets—both geographical and prisoner-related—for continued negotiations. "We aim to secure the return of all hostages, both the living and the deceased," the source added.
Israel has made it clear that no hostages classified as deceased are included in the list of 33, and no updates have yet been received from Hamas regarding the condition of these individuals. The list of prisoners to be released in the first phase, including those with "blood on their hands," is still being finalized. In response to a query by Israel Hayom, officials stated that "convicted murderers" will not be released to Judea and Samaria but will likely be deported.
The IDF will maintain a presence in the buffer zone to prevent the transfer of weapons or militants to northern Gaza. Soldiers will also be deployed in the southern Philadelphi Corridor, with deployment maps approved by the US. "We will not leave Gaza until all hostages are returned," the source emphasized.
Negotiation timeline
Israel denied foreign reports claiming Hamas has already responded positively to the proposed deal. Should Hamas provide a favorable response, the cabinet will convene to approve the agreement, followed by government authorization, enabling immediate implementation.
Diplomatic sources acknowledged delays, citing that effective negotiations had not taken place since December 2023, apart from a few sporadic days. "Conditions for the deal were not viable earlier, as Hamas was uninterested in pursuing the agreement," they stated.
In the initial Israeli proposal submitted on April 27, Hamas responded on May 6 with an offer stating it would return "a very low number of living hostages, with the rest as bodies." Israel's counteroffer on May 27 rejected these numbers. US President Joe Biden endorsed the emerging framework, and Hamas responded on June 11 with 29 amendments, which Israel deemed unacceptable. A significant breakthrough came after the elimination of senior Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and disruptions to the Shiite axis.
The deal, currently divided into two phases, includes the release of 33 humanitarian hostages in exchange for 42 days of ceasefire and prisoner releases. The second phase, which aims to secure the release of all hostages, will commence on the 16th day of the agreement. Diplomatic sources stressed that Israel is committed to ensuring the return of all its hostages, asserting, "We will not give up on anyone."
