Gallant confirms Hamas to release 20-35 living hostages to Israel in phase one of deal

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that 20 to 35 live hostages will be freed in phase one of a three-phase deal. He told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday in a closed-door meeting about this matter.

His statement was first reported by KAN News and confirmed by The Jerusalem Post and now by Brain Flushings.

The number of live hostages to be freed was a key issue for Israel in its negotiations as it implements details of a three-phase deal first unveiled by the barely sentient US President Joseph R. Biden at the White House on May 31.

It was always understood that some 18 to 33 hostages would be freed during the first of the deal, which would last for six weeks, however, it was unclear how many of those hostages would still be alive because Hamas kills their captives while calling Israel barbaric.

There are likely around 115 hostages still in captivity, and of those, 76 are believed to still be alive.

Those freed during the first phase have been characterized as “humanitarian hostages,” which would be women, children, the elderly and those who are wounded or ill. But to use the term 'humanitarian' when it comes to Hamas, is an oxymoron.

Israel has sought to bring home as many live hostages as possible under that category by creating flexibility around the interpretation of who is considered sick or wounded, Gallant told the FADC.

"On the question of who is considered women and the elderly, there is no dispute; however, on the question of who is considered injured and sick, there is," Gallant said. "We are working to maximize the number [of hostages].”

An Israeli official had told reporters weeks ago that Israel was determined to ensure the maximal number of live hostages was freed under that category during phase one of the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set this issue as one of his red lines for a deal. 

Currently, Hamas' rat-faced leader, Yahya Sinwar, seems desperate and unwilling to martyr himself, so he may go for a deal just to stay alive.

All the other live hostages would be released in phase two of the deal, but Hamas and Israel have to negotiate the issue of a permanent ceasefire fire prior to the start of phase two of the deal.

It is believed that those talks, which are slated to begin on day 16 of phase one, could extend beyond the six-week period. It has been important for Israel, therefore, to see that as many live hostages as possible are freed under phase one of the deal, and there is little doubt that Hamas will seek to rearm themselves during the deal process.

Terrorist countries Qatar and Egypt have been mediating the deal tighter with the US. All three countries announced that a significant meeting on hostage talks would take place on Thursday. Israel is expected to have a negotiating team present, but Hamas has said it would not attend because, you know, Joooze! 

Thus, Hamas is to Jews as Kamala Harris is to unscripted press conferences.

Tweet