The Israeli National Security Advisor, Tzachi Hanegbi, spoke this Thursday to reiterate that hostages held by the Islamist group would not be released by Hamas until Friday. He also addressed media reports, stating that the information circulating in news outlets did not reflect reality. Hanegbi emphasized that negotiations for the release of Israeli prisoners were moving forward at full speed, a message echoed in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office and cited by Haaretz. He noted that the ceasefire framework with Hamas would proceed according to the plan, with the first group of hostages expected to be freed on Friday.
Separately, Israeli media reported that a senior Hamas official, Musa Abu Marzouk, was behind the claim that the agreement would be signed on Thursday morning. A source from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office clarified that no ceasefire was imminent at that moment. The individual who predicted a Thursday exchange was Abu Marzouk, but the list of those kidnapped had not been provided, and no formal signing had taken place.
Political officials added that, based on assessments from security and political advisors, any delays could be resolved within roughly 24 hours. Last Tuesday, the Israeli government had approved an agreement with Hamas for the release of 50 kidnapped individuals from the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, in a four-day ceasefire arrangement. In the hours leading up to the announcement, Hamas suggested that the onus remained with Israel, telling mediators in Qatar and Egypt that the position of the party lay on Israel to move forward with the exchange.
All members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration voted in favor of the ceasefire and the planned prisoner exchange, with three ministers from the Jewish Power party, the far-right bloc, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir abstaining or opposing. The unfolding talks and the varying official responses showcased the delicate balance between diplomatic channels, security calculations, and domestic political considerations that shape the negotiating environment around this ceasefire process. The reporting from multiple outlets indicated a tense but hopeful atmosphere as officials weighed the next steps, the potential timing of releases, and the broader implications for security in the region, while ensuring that the sequence of events remained aligned with the terms of the ceasefire agreement as it stood at that moment. The information landscape reflected competing narratives and cautious confirmations, underscoring the complexity of coordinating a multi-party exchange under intense scrutiny and rapid geopolitical developments.