The cabinet meeting that concluded overnight Tuesday ended without an operative decision or vote, yet an Israeli source delivered a crucial message afterward: "Israel will enter negotiations for phase two of the hostage deal, while maintaining its commitment to the war's objectives, including the elimination of Hamas in Gaza." The cabinet authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conduct negotiations for the second phase.
The decision to proceed with phase two negotiations primarily aims to maintain coordination with the US administration – President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that the war will not conclude until Hamas is eliminated and decisively defeated, which formed the basis for this decision.
Meanwhile, phase one of the deal continues to progress. A secret appendix to the hostage deal revealed on Tuesday indicates that within two days, four deceased hostages will be transferred to Israel. They will undergo identification at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, followed by notifications to the families and a public announcement.
Furthermore, the seventh round of phase one is scheduled for Saturday. An Israeli source indicated there is a high probability that more than three living hostages will be released.
