INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Hamas is set to release another group of Israelis as part of the ongoing four-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which facilitates an exchange
of 50 hostages for Palestinian prisoners.Egyptian security sources have confirmed receiving the names of 14 Israeli women and children from
Hamas, and are awaiting further details on the transfer of these hostages to Egyptian authorities, a Reuters report said.Israeli security
officials are currently reviewing the list, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has not verified the number or timing of the
anticipated release.Emotional scenes as Hamas and Israel swap hostages and prisoners amid 4-day ceasefireFriday saw the emotional reunion of
nine-year-old Ohad Munder with his father, as captured in hospital footage
Ohad was among four children released, all of whom were in relatively good health, according to Gilat Livni, Director of Paediatrics at the
Livni mentioned that some children had shared their experiences, but she did not disclose specifics."They shared experiences, we were up
with them until late at night and it was interesting, upsetting and moving," Livni stated.This truce, marking the first pause in the
seven-week conflict, stipulates the phased release of 50 women and children held by Hamas over four days, in exchange for 150 Palestinian
women and children from the thousands detained in Israeli jails.On Friday, Hamas released a total of 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis, 10
Thai farm workers, and a Filipino
Subsequently, Israel freed 39 Palestinian women and teenagers.Israel's record on prisoner swap deals includes Gilad Shalit and Yahya
SinwarWhile the families of the hostages have expressed relief at the return of their loved ones, their joy is tempered by concern for those
still captive in Gaza."I am happy I received my family back," said Yoni Katz Asher, whose wife Doron and children Raz and Aviv were among
"But I am not celebrating, I will not celebrate until the last of the hostages returns home."Hamas's planIsrael's objectives in this
conflict are well known: Overthrowing Hamas, eliminating its leadership and rescuing over 200 hostages held captive in Gaza.But what's
Hamas's motive in agreeing to a ceasefire? According to a Wall Street report, Hamas leaders are currently engaged in a temporary ceasefire,
primarily focusing on their own preservation.The four-day ceasefire offers Hamas an opportunity to strategize for a prolonged war phase,
aiming to weaken Israel's offensive and generate international pressure to conclude the conflict without fulfilling its objectives
intelligence and military damage on Israel and safeguarded its leadership
The critical question is whether Hamas can leverage the hostage situation to maintain power in Gaza or enable its leaders to flee the
area.As per the WSJ report, Hamas's leadership, comprising about 15 members across Gaza, Doha, and Beirut, operates on a consensus basis
However, their war strategy, primarily confined within Gaza, remains elusive, even to their political leaders in exile.Israel believes Yahya
Sinwar, Hamas's leader in Gaza, is orchestrating operations alongside key figures like Mohammed Deif
Negotiations for the hostage and prisoner swap have been challenging, with Sinwar being the central decision-maker.Sinwar aims to secure the
release of prisoners through the October 7 attacks, a personal goal considering his past as a prisoner
Sinwar plans to use the ceasefire to negotiate the release of Palestinians imprisoned on more severe charges than those in the initial phase
The potential conflict in the south poses greater challenges due to the presence of displaced Palestinians, which could exacerbate the
humanitarian crisis and increase international pressure on Israel.Hamas's tunnel network and the hostages complicate southern operations
Depriving Hamas of essential supplies might force fighters out of tunnels, but Sinwar holds the remaining hostages as a bargaining chip for
safe passage or another truce.Israeli military experience in siege tactics dates back to the 1982 Lebanese Civil War
However, Palestinian analysts doubt Hamas's departure from Gaza, given its local roots
Some Middle Eastern officials believe Israel might face an insurgency if it attempts to demilitarize Gaza and maintain forces there
The consensus is that Israel cannot completely eliminate Hamas as both a military and political entity.Israeli military officials
acknowledge the ideological persistence of Hamas but believe in their ability to suppress its war capabilities and governance in Gaza.Mairav
Zonszein, a senior Israel-Palestine analyst at the International Crisis Group, highlighted Israel's dilemma between eliminating Hamas's top
leaders and negotiating for the remaining hostages
