|
Trending Topics
|
Israel Estimates Hamas Wants to Continue Hostage Deal
(Ha'aretz) Yaniv Kubovich - Israeli officials believe that Hamas is interested in continuing the first stage of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal and jumpstarting negotiations for the second stage. They say Hamas's primary consideration is the mounting internal pressure from Gaza residents, who are returning to the north and confronting the massive devastation. A collapse of the deal could halt prisoner releases, disrupt humanitarian aid, and stall reconstruction efforts. Hamas may actively seek to accelerate the deal's implementation, expediting hostage releases and prisoner exchanges. Among the hundreds expected to be released to Gaza under the agreement are senior Hamas operatives and individuals who could help rebuild the organization.