Hamas concedes: "We gave up the demand for IDF Withdrawal"

Amid reports of progress in the negotiations for a prisoner swap deal, the Hamas official stated today (Tuesday) to The Washington Post that the group had dropped its demand for a total cessation of the war and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip as a condition for the agreement. The official also confirmed that a new ceasefire proposal had been laid out for the Gaza Strip.

"A new 60-day ceasefire proposal and prisoner exchange in the Gaza Strip has been presented, which includes significant concessions from the organization," said the source. According to the official, Hamas "gave up its demands for a total cessation of the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli military forces." However, it was noted that "Hamas still insists that displaced Palestinians be allowed to return to the northern Gaza Strip."

As reported earlier today on Israel Hayom, significant progress has been made toward finalizing the deal. A senior official familiar with the hostage release negotiations said that gaps have been narrowed regarding the positioning of IDF forces within the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire, specifically along the Philadelphi Corridor and Netzarim Corridor.

It was also reported that progress has been made regarding the number of hostages Israel demands in the first phase. This number includes adults over 50, the sick, and anyone falling under a "humanitarian case," in exchange for six weeks of ceasefire.