Out: Full withdrawal before any hostage releases. In: Women released … and then a full withdrawal. And also still in: a 1:10 ratio of hostages to Palestinian prisoners in Israel, with a nearly 1:1 ratio for those serving life sentences for murder.
What a deal. It does, however, mark at least somewhat of a shift in Hamas’ position since the last deal in November. Israel’s war cabinet is already meeting to discuss it:
The cabinet will convene Friday at noon and discuss the response of Hamas, which this evening officially submitted its response to the mediating countries, according to Israeli media.
According to the announcement published by Hamas, the deal was intended to allow the return of the residents of Gaza to their homes and the withdrawal of the IDF from the Strip.
Qatar sent Israel an official letter via Hamas detailing the Gaza terror group’s demands as part of the Gaza…
