Last week began with Hamas threatening to halt the sixth phase in their deal with Israel that was reached through the US and Qatar in the final days of the Biden administration. In response, President Donald Trump suggested that Israel issue an ultimatum demanding the release of all hostages by noon on Saturday. However, by Friday, it became evident that Netanyahu’s government was not interested in escalating the crisis, and so, when Hamas backed down and confirmed the planned release of three hostages, Israel ended its threats.
At the same time, following a consultation meeting Saturday night, Prime Minister Netanyahu did not approve the entry of caravans and heavy machinery into the northern Gaza Strip.
Trump posted on TRUTH on Saturday: “Hamas has just released three Hostages from GAZA, including an American Citizen. They seem to be in good shape! This differs from their statement last week that they would not release any Hostages. Israel will now have to decide what they will do about the 12:00 O’CLOCK, TODAY, DEADLINE imposed on the release of ALL HOSTAGES. The United States will back the decision they make!”
Channel 14 reported on Sunday that the current decision being contemplated in Israel is to “walk between the raindrops.” On the one hand, adopt Trump’s ultimatum, declaratively, and on the other, continue negotiations with Hamas to bring about the release of the remaining six hostages listed under Phase One of the deal as early as next week.
The decision to continue talks with Hamas is concurrent with keeping open the option of renewed fighting should the terrorist organization fail to release the six remaining hostages from Phase One over the next week. If Hamas adheres to its original outline—releasing three live hostages this Saturday and the remaining three the following week—Israel may consider military action.
The decision to block the entry of caravans and heavy machinery into the northern Gaza Strip reneges on the deal with Hamas, which explicitly permits the entry of caravans as part of the hostage release and the ceasefire.
The deal with Hamas specifies that supplies and equipment needed to establish shelters—including at least 60,000 temporary living facilities and caravans—can be brought into northern Gaza.
A political source told Kan11 News: “After a security consultation chaired by the Prime Minister, it was decided that the issue of caravans will be discussed in the coming days. Israel is fully coordinating with the United States.”
Jerusalem aims to expedite the next steps in the hostage release process. Mediators are actively working on the matter, but progress will require concessions from Israel. The decision to effectively prevent Gazans from returning to the thoroughly demolished northern Strip without minimal lodging facilities may be a negotiation ploy to speed up the release of the living hostages.
