Israel’s cabinet meeting that concluded overnight Tuesday ended without an operative decision or vote, yet an Israeli source delivered a crucial message afterward: “Israel will enter negotiations for phase two of the hostage deal, while maintaining its commitment to the war’s objectives, including the elimination of Hamas in Gaza.” The cabinet authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conduct negotiations for the second phase.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that the war will not conclude until Hamas is eliminated and decisively defeated, which formed the basis for this decision.
Meanwhile, phase one of the deal continues to progress. A secret appendix to the hostage deal revealed on Tuesday indicates that within two days, four deceased hostages will be transferred to Israel.
Reports earlier today circulated like wildfire saying that a Hamas spokesman said that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas are among the deceased to be returned this Thursday, however, neither the Bibas family has received official government confirmation on this. Along with a total of four remains of deceased hostages, six living hostages will be released this Saturday which ends phase one of the ceasefire deal.