The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has denied reports suggesting that Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is planning a visit to Cairo in connection with a potential hostage release and ceasefire deal. However, a high-ranking Palestinian Authority official provided details about the agreement during an interview with the BBC, outlining what the deal is expected to entail. According to the official, the negotiations are currently in the “decisive and final phase.”
The proposed agreement, as reported, would unfold in three distinct phases. The initial phase would span 45 days and involve the release of all Israeli civilians and female soldiers being held hostage in Gaza. Additionally, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops would pull back from the heart of the cities, key coastal routes, and a stretch of land along the Gaza-Egypt border. Moreover, the residents of northern Gaza would be allowed to return to their homes.
During the second phase, the remaining hostages would be freed, and the IDF would complete its withdrawal from Gaza. The third and final phase would see the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, marking the end of the ongoing conflict.
As of now, 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, more than 14 months after they were abducted during the October 7, 2023 massacre carried out by the Hamas terrorist organization. The fate of the remaining hostages, particularly whether they are still alive, remains unknown.
{Matzav.com Israel}