While Israel awaits Hamas' response to the Egyptian proposal for a hostage deal and ceasefire, a political source stated that "contrary to reports, Israel will in no way agree to end the war as part of the agreement to release our hostages." He added, "As decided by the political echelon, IDF will enter Rafah and eliminate the remaining Hamas battalions there - whether or not there is a temporary ceasefire to release our hostages." (Itamar Eichner)