JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israel and the Hamas terror group are close to closing a deal to free some of the civilians held by the Hamas terror group, alongside female and minor convicted terrorists, according to a report by David Ignatius in the Washington Post.
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The Post article follows a Saturday report by Al Arabiya that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a “humanitarian” prisoner swap under which Hamas would release 100 Israeli hostages, in exchange for Israel releasing female and minor terrorists.
In his article, Ignatius quoted “a high-ranking Israeli official,” who spoke on condition of anonymity, as saying that a deal could be announced “within days if final details are resolved.”
The deal would see the hostages released in groups, parallel to the release of the convicted terrorists.
Ignatius noted that although Israel would like the release of all 100 women and children, Hamas has indicated – in a Telegram statement quoted by Reuters – that it is willing to release just 70 women and children. The number of female and minor convicted terrorists who may be released is believed to be at least 120, according to an Arab official who spoke to Ignatius.
In addition to the release of convicted terrorists, the deal would see Israel agree to a temporary ceasefire, possibly five days long, allegedly to allow “safe travel” for the Israeli hostages and allow additional aid to reach Gazans.
Among the details delaying the agreement is Israel’s demand for confirmation that the hostages, identified by name, are being released as the convicted terrorists are released.
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari has said that there are 239 hostages held in Gaza. Most of these are Israeli citizens – some dual nationals – but a few dozen are non-Israelis, most of them Thai workers.
According to the unnamed official who spoke to Ignatius, approximately 90 male civilians are being held in Gaza, together with a smaller group of IDF soldiers. Hamas has the power to negotiate for the release of all hostages, including those who are not being held directly by the terror group.
To me, this looks like the case of a loser journal trying to attract attention. Given how tight-lipped Isreas has been until now I doubt a high-ranking member released this to a no-name journalist from a left news source.
they should negotiate, get the hostages they can get out out then double cross those who double crossed us and continue the attack
israel should have learned long ago never to negotiate with terrorists
The tough, right wing govt!! after all the posturing and bellicose talk, will still cave in and release terrorists who will return and murder more Jews.
Some? ALL! Or they can eat dirt!
Game over Israel lost