Israel anticipates receiving the bodies of four hostages within the next 24 hours Israel will only release the 602 security prisoners – whose release was suspended following Hamas violations during phase one of the deal – after these bodies are returned. The violations culminated when Hamas forced two hostages to witness the final prisoner release on Saturday.
According to Israeli sources, Hamas now confronts three options: surrender, disarmament, and exile that would lead to the war's conclusion; extension of the first phase with additional hostage releases in exchange for prisoner releases and increased humanitarian assistance; or resumption of full-scale hostilities.
Talks regarding the return of remaining hostages are expected to commence in Cairo in the coming days, but only after Israel receives the bodies.
Israel plans to send a delegation to these discussions, following groundwork laid in the United States over the past two weeks between Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Despite provisions in the agreement, the Israel Defense Forces are not expected to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor or from the security perimeter in the coming days – or at all.
