Israeli officials said Saturday they believe 25 of the 33 hostages slated for release from Hamas captivity in the first phase of the deal approved by the government are alive.
In exchange for their return, Israel will release 737 Palestinian prisoners as part of the first phase of the cease-fire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal approved early Saturday. The Justice Ministry soon made their names public after the government adjourned.
Additionally, Israel will release 1,167 Gaza residents who were detained but did not participate in the October 7 massacre, bringing the total number of Palestinians exchanged for the hostages to 1,904.
Some ministers who opposed the deal expressed concern over releasing such a large number of prisoners, including convicted terrorists responsible for hundreds of attacks. They argued that to free captive IDF soldiers held by Hamas, Israel would ultimately need to release all convicted terrorists serving life sentences.
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Security cabinet meets to approve cease-fire and hostage release deal on Friday
(Photo: GPO)
The National Security Council (NSC) attached an opinion to the government’s approval of the deal. "In its confidential agreement, the NSC presented the considerations, opportunities and security and political risks," including potential negative implications for the West Bank.
"According to the view of security agencies there is an urgent and vital need to accept the current outline and they, along with the Strategic Affairs Ministry and the Foreign Ministry, believe that the deal would serve Israel's wider interests and its national security," the NSC opinion said.
Security Cabinet meets to approve cease-fire and hostage release deal on Friday
(Video: GPO)
The agreement also includes political achievements, such as a letter from U.S. President Joe Biden affirming Israel’s right to resume fighting in Gaza if subsequent phases of the deal are not implemented. Another key point allows the IDF to maintain control of a mile-wide security perimeter along the border for up to 50 days.
Officials present during the government deliberations said that the fighting is likely to resume. They noted that the breakthrough occurred during the transition between the Biden and Trump administrations, with Hamas motivated to finalize the deal before Trump takes office. Without an agreement now, officials said, chances of reaching one later would have been significantly lower.