People walk past a wall with hostage posters in Tel Aviv, Israel, 18 August 2024. Photo: /Florian Goga/Reuters
Israeli officials believe that Hamas will fulfil the terms of the second stage of the hostage deal, which is due to take place on Saturday. According to the information provided to The Jerusalem Post, Hamas’s implementation of the agreement is linked to its interest in Israel’s withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor.
According to the agreement, Hamas is to hand over a list of hostages to be released by 16:00 on Friday. Israel insists that among those released should be 29-year-old Arbel Yehud, who was taken hostage along with her partner Ariel Kunio during the attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on 7 October 2023.
The role of Qatar and the terms of the deal
Mossad chief David Barnea will receive a list of hostages from the Qatari prime minister. In response, Israel agreed to release 120 Palestinian prisoners, including those classified as terrorists with “blood on their hands” who had served more than 15 years in prison.
Israel also expects Hamas to hand over a list of the remaining 27 hostages to be released under the first phase of the agreement, as well as information on their condition. This is in line with the terms of the agreement concluded a week ago, which provides for such actions on the seventh day.
At the same time, according to Israeli officials, free movement of people will be ensured in northern Gaza. US contractors will check vehicles transporting Palestinians from the southern parts of the enclave for weapons.
Israel continues to insist that all the terms of the agreement be observed to ensure the safety of its citizens and hostages.
