PM's Office Stands Firm: These Are the Principles for Ending the War in Gaza

Hours after the announcement by a "senior political source" amid reports of Hamas's agreement to the partial hostage deal, the Prime Minister's Office published another statement Tuesday evening reiterating the Cabinet's principles for ending the war: "Dismantling Hamas's weapons, returning all hostages - the living and the dead, demilitarizing the Strip, Israeli security control and an alternative civilian government that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority."

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 - releasing all hostages and meeting the other conditions defined for ending the war." Earlier today, another statement was published by a "senior political source" stating 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 decision and will not leave any hostage behind."

Arab media 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 reports, the agreement plans the release of about 140 Palestinian prisoners, most of them serious murderers serving life sentences and convicted of terrorist acts, in addition to hundreds of additional Palestinian prisoners held for lesser offenses, most with prison sentences of up to 15 years.

It was also reported in the Lebanese newspaper affiliated with 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 only be able to hold a limited perimeter, with areas adjacent to the fence like Shejaiya and Beit Lahia remaining without a perimeter. Additionally, according to other 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.