Senior Political Source: No Partial Deals, We Want All Hostages

Against the backdrop of reports about Hamas's agreement to a partial hostage deal, a senior political source said again today (Tuesday) that "Israel's policy is consistent and has not changed. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the Cabinet for ending the war. We are at the stage of Hamas's final defeat and will not leave any hostage behind."

As mentioned, already yesterday evening, moments after receiving Hamas's response to the Egyptian-Qatari framework, a statement was published by a "political source" saying that "Israel's position has not changed – release of all hostages and meeting the other conditions defined for ending the war."

In Arab media, it was reported last night that the proposal that received a positive response from Hamas includes clear withdrawals, prisoner releases, and financial conditions that Israel is expected to pay, alongside details about the terrorists set to be released. According to the reports, the agreement plans the release of about 140 Palestinian prisoners, most of them heavy murderers serving life sentences and convicted of terrorist acts, in addition to hundreds of additional Palestinian prisoners held for lighter offenses, most with prison sentences of up to 15 years.

It was also reported in the Lebanese newspaper close to Hezbollah, Al-Mayadeen, that Israel would be required to withdraw most of its forces from the Gaza Strip and compromise on extensive parts of the territory it held. Israel would be able to maintain only a limited perimeter, with areas adjacent to the fence like Shejaiya and Beit Lahia remaining without a perimeter. In addition, according to additional reports in the Arab world, Israel would also be required to release "all Palestinian detainees under age 18" who are held in Israel on charges of terrorist acts.

These conditions are given in exchange for the release of ten living Israeli hostages, as well as about 18 hostages who were killed in Hamas captivity. The agreement is expected to include a ceasefire for about 60 days, which according to Hamas's demand would constitute the beginning of a process to end the war.