Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that he will not agree to a potential ceasefire agreement in the Gaza conflict or the release of more hostages “at any cost,” as reported by “Times of Israel” on Wednesday evening.
Netanyahu added, “We have red lines,” reiterating previous statements that Israel will not end the war, withdraw its forces from Gaza, or release “thousands of terrorists” from Israeli prisons in exchange for a hostage deal.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, the head of the Israeli intelligence agency (Mossad), David Barnea, briefed government ministers on the main outlines of a potential agreement on Monday. This includes the release of 35 female hostages, as well as the sick, wounded, and elderly, in a first phase that would halt fighting for five weeks.
Following that, there would be another ceasefire for one week, during which negotiators would attempt to secure the release of young hostages, described by Hamas as soldiers.
Earlier, “The Washington Post” reported that a draft ceasefire agreement negotiated in Paris stipulates the initial release of all civilians abducted from Israel during the potential ceasefire for six weeks.
According to the report, three Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails would be released in exchange for each Israeli hostage. It remains unclear who the prisoners to be released are and who would determine this.
As of Wednesday evening, Hamas had not yet responded to the draft ceasefire agreement, according to “Times of Israel.” Their response is expected to be conveyed through Qatar.
