Report: Hamas has sent its response to the hostage deal

Amid reports of significant progress in negotiations for the release of hostages, Al-Arabiya network reports that the murderous terrorist organization Hamas has sent its final response. According to the report, Hamas's response contains no comments on the draft ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Earlier, Channel 12 News reported that the mediators informed Hamas that they demand a response from the terrorist organization to the proposal by midnight at the latest. Meanwhile, a Hamas official told CNN that they are "very close to a ceasefire agreement with Israel."

As mentioned, it was reported this morning that the details of the deal have been finalized, and now they are waiting for Hamas's response. An Israeli official noted that "it can be cautiously said that we are close to the possibility of closing the hostage deal." He also said, "If Hamas's response comes soon – within a few days, all the details can be finalized."

In an interview with Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, a source revealed that a meeting of Hamas senior officials will take place this evening to discuss the draft agreement. The source emphasized that there will be no changes to the key points, and the response will be positive.

According to the draft agreement, the first phase will involve a partial withdrawal of IDF forces from the Gaza Strip. The second phase will see IDF surveillance posts remain, and by the final day of the third phase, the IDF will have fully withdrawn from the Strip.

An Israeli source informed Arutz Sheva that the initial phase of the deal will include the release of 33 hostages under the "humanitarian" category. These hostages will include all female soldiers, men and women over the age of 50, and seriously ill men under the age of 50.

The first release, which will occur on the seventh day of the ceasefire, will include Aviram Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held captive for many years.

In return, Israel will release hundreds of terrorists, some of whom have committed violent acts. For each female soldier released, 50 terrorists will be freed, including 30 who are serving life sentences. A political source clarified that terrorists with blood on their hands will not be deported to Judea and Samaria.