According to a report, on Tuesday, November 21, Israel agreed to terms set by Hamas’ leader. The condition involves halting Israeli UAVs from flying in Gaza’s airspace for several consecutive hours daily during the ceasefire period. In exchange for this concession, an agreement would be set for the release of some of Hamas’ hostages.
According to The Jerusalem Post, on Tuesday, November 21, Israel agreed to a condition set by Hamas’ leader Yahya Sinwar to stop Israeli drone activity in Gaza’s airspace for a daily six-hour period during the ceasefire in exchange for the release of some of Hamas’ hostages.
The condition’s implementation was addressed by an Israeli official, who cited the Israeli Army and Shin Bet, assuring that they possess ongoing intelligence-gathering capabilities even during the ceasefire.
The hostage deal that would be submitted to the government for approval is said to include the release of 50 Israeli women and children during a four-day ceasefire and would include the possibility of extension if Hamas locates and frees ten hostages for each additional day of ceasefire.
The report gave an estimation of 70 to 80 women and children to be freed if Hamas does locate the hostages, as they claimed they do not know some of their locations.
“Hamas, as far as we are concerned, needs to bring [hostages] back from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other elements,” said an Israeli official.
The deal to release the hostages has the support of the Israeli Army, Mossad, and Shin Bet and includes the release of 140 security prisoners from Israeli prisons.
According to the official, Israel insisted that prisoners convicted of murder not be included among those released. The outline also states that during ceasefire days, Israel will allow additional fuel to enter the Strip. However, the official clarified that this relief will only last for the duration of the ceasefire.
Two Qatari armed forces aircraft containing humanitarian aid departed for Egypt, amid the news of a possible hostage deal, as Qatari officials spoke with their Egyptian counterparts.
According to Hamas, the group had delivered its response to Israel via Qatar, and are awaiting their response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that accepting a deal for the release of hostages taken in the Hamas attacks of October 7 was “a difficult decision but it’s a right decision”.
As part of the deal, the Red Cross would be able to visit the hostages who are not slated to be released, Netanyahu stated.
Khalil Wakim, with AFP
