A Hebrew channel reported on Monday evening details regarding the anticipated deal in Gaza between the Israeli occupation and Hamas. The deal includes a ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange deal, executed in simultaneous phases to ensure both sides’ commitment.
The Hebrew Channel 14 stated that the first phase would see the release of a limited number of Israeli prisoners in exchange for 700-1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences and high-term sentences, in gradual phases.
The ceasefire is expected to last at least a month and a half, during which Palestinian evacuees would return to northern Gaza under the supervision of a so-called “security system.”
Growing Optimism
The channel highlighted that the deal’s implementation would occur in synchronized stages to guarantee commitment. Israeli political sources expressed increasing optimism about reaching an agreement.
The deal is reportedly expected to be announced in the coming weeks or days, with initial terms outlining a ceasefire lasting approximately 45 days.
However, the report noted ongoing disagreements regarding the Philadelphia Axis and “Netsarim.” Hamas has agreed to a limited presence of Israeli forces along these axes, although no precise details were provided regarding the size of these forces.
The prisoner release process will occur in phases as part of Israel’s strategy to maintain control over the process and ensure “security stability.” Yet, this phase is considered an initial step, with the full release of detainees requiring a future agreement.
Expected Implementation Despite Concerns
Israeli estimates suggest that the agreement could come into effect within days. Emphasis remains on phased execution to uphold mutual commitments. However, Israeli concerns persist that unexpected developments, such as security incidents or shifts in negotiations, could derail the agreement.
In a related development, the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted a senior Israeli official, who stated that Tel Aviv aims to finalize a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas before the end of this month.
Unprecedented Progress
Earlier, Israel’s Broadcasting Authority claimed “unprecedented progress,” describing the current week as “critical” for the indirect negotiations on a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.
Israel continues to hold over 10,300 Palestinian prisoners in its jails, while approximately 100 Israeli prisoners are believed to be in Gaza. Hamas has repeatedly reported that dozens of detainees have been killed in indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the Israeli official stated:
“Our goal is to secure the release of the hostages in Gaza before the end of this month. All deal details are clear, and the primary dispute concerns the number of hostages to be released in the first phase.”
The official claimed that Hamas has agreed to release a small number of prisoners, while Israel insists on nearly doubling the figure.
Currently, negotiations focus on the number and identities of the prisoners slated for release.
U.S. Mediation and Stalemate
On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Defense Minister Israel Katz held separate meetings with Adam Boehler, envoy of former U.S. President Donald Trump on hostages and missing persons. According to Hebrew media, Boehler requested that meeting details remain confidential.
Hamas has not commented on these Israeli media claims. However, the movement has consistently affirmed its readiness to finalize a deal and had previously agreed to a proposal by U.S. President Joe Biden in May.
Nevertheless, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu withdrew from the proposal, insisting on continuing the genocidal war and refusing to withdraw the army from Gaza. Hamas remains firm on its conditions for a complete ceasefire and the total withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Netanyahu Under Pressure
The Israeli opposition and families of the Israeli prisoners accuse Netanyahu of obstructing the deal to maintain his position and government. Extremist ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to withdraw from the government and topple it if the war ends.
Ongoing Genocide in Gaza
Backed by U.S. support, the Israeli occupation army continues its genocidal war in Gaza for more than 14 months, leaving over 151,000 martyrs and wounded, the majority of whom are children and women. In addition, over 11,000 people remain missing amid massive destruction and a deadly famine.
