Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has indicated that despite the agreed four-day humanitarian pause between Israel and Hamas set to begin on Friday, the ongoing conflict is anticipated to continue forcefully for at least two more months. Speaking to Israeli troops on Thursday, Gallant emphasized that the pause would be brief, with the resumption of intense fighting expected to exert pressure for the release of more hostages.
The hostage handover process has been characterized as complicated by the Israeli military, cautioning that changes in the deal could occur at any moment. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari emphasized that nothing is finalized until it actually happens, and changes might occur during the process.
The IDF spokesperson confirmed that Israeli troops would be stationed along truce lines inside the Gaza Strip once the pause goes into effect, keeping them in the northern region without moving south during the temporary cessation of hostilities.
Families of the hostages set to be released were notified by Israeli authorities, with a list of 300 names published. The majority of those eligible for release are male teenagers aged between 16 to 18, with some as young as 14. The initial group of hostages expected to be released includes 13 individuals, all women and children, with an emphasis on keeping members of the same families together.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, established in response to the Hamas attack on Israel, lists 201 Israelis believed to be alive and held hostage in Gaza since October 7. This includes children, women, and men across various age groups. The total number of hostages, including Americans and other foreign nationals, is estimated to be 236, according to the IDF.
While the planned prisoner release is anticipated, a Palestinian official involved in the process has not yet received a list of names. Expectations suggest the release of about 30 to 35 individuals in the first group, with all prisoners to be released at the Beitunia checkpoint in the occupied West Bank. The list includes 33 women.
(With Agency Inputs)
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