Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Tuesday that the war with Hamas has stages and that the recovery of prisoners will also be done in stages. He emphasized that the Israeli military campaign to dismantle Palestinian militia structures in Gaza will continue even after the release of hostages.
Netanyahu mentioned that the release of the hostages will be carried out in stages, and those who do not return home in the first deliveries will be visited by Red Cross personnel. He added that the military will continue fighting in Gaza with all their forces after the hostage agreement phase is over.
The possible agreement has raised some concerns within the Israeli government. Itamar Ben Gvir, the Minister of National Security, warned that it will lead to a “disaster” for the country, and his party opposes the pact. Nonetheless, US President Joe Biden reiterated that the agreement is close and could lead to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniye mentioned that a truce agreement with Israel is close, and Qatar, acting as a mediator, stated that the parties are in the “final phase” of reaching an agreement.
The final decision on the potential agreement still needs to be approved by the Israeli government. The Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, expressed support for the decision, as did the security leaders, who confirmed that the agreement will allow the army to prepare to continue fighting, considering it as the first step for the return of all the hostages.