Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Hamas will release between 20 and 35 live hostages in the first phase of a three-phase agreement. This information was shared with the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee during a closed-door session on Monday. KAN News first reported the details, which were later confirmed by The Jerusalem Post.
The exact number of live hostages to be released in this initial phase has been a significant point of negotiation. The three-phase deal, initially disclosed by US President Joe Biden on May 31, outlines that approximately 18 to 33 hostages would be freed in the first phase, which is planned to last six weeks. However, it was previously unclear how many of these would be live hostages.
Currently, there are about 115 hostages remaining, with 76 presumed to be alive. The hostages to be released in the first phase are described as "humanitarian hostages," including women, children, the elderly, and those who are injured or ill.
**Maximizing Hostage Release**
Gallant emphasized that Israel aims to secure the maximum number of live hostages within this category by negotiating the definitions of "sick" and "wounded." He noted that while there is agreement on who qualifies as women and the elderly, there is ongoing debate regarding who is classified as injured or sick.
An Israeli official previously indicated that ensuring the largest possible number of live hostages are freed in this phase is a top priority for Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made this a critical condition for the deal.
The remaining live hostages are scheduled to be released in the second phase. However, a permanent ceasefire must be negotiated before this phase can begin. Discussions on this ceasefire are expected to start on day 16 of the first phase and could extend beyond the six-week period. Thus, it is crucial for Israel to secure as many live hostages as possible in the initial phase.
Qatar and Egypt are mediating the deal alongside the US, with a significant meeting on the hostage negotiations set for Thursday. While Israel is expected to have a negotiating team present, Hamas has indicated it will not attend.