Israel and the United States are pushing for the release of additional hostages in the coming days, aiming for the return of all six surviving hostages from the list of those due for release in the initial phase of the agreement with Hamas by next Shabbos rather than over the span of the next two weeks.
A total of 33 hostages were initially included for release in the first phase of the deal. Among them, 14 remain in Gaza—six of whom are alive and eight who have passed away. These hostages are anticipated to be freed in smaller groups over the coming weeks, with the living hostages expected to be released on the next two Shabbosos, while the deceased ones will follow at a later date.
An Israeli official informed Channel 13 News, “Israel will agree to allow the entry of caravans into the Gaza Strip – if the release of the six is indeed moved up.”
In related developments, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Israel and is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu early next week to discuss talks for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office stated: “As we have already clarified more than once, there are no caravans or heavy equipment being brought into the Gaza Strip, and there is no coordination for such. In addition, in accordance with the agreement, there is no merchandise at all being brought into Gaza through the Rafah Crossing.”
{Matzav.com Israel}