Posted on 01/15/25
| News Source: Arutz-7
Jerusalem, Israel - Jan. 15, 2025 - Israeli officials said on Wednesday that there has been a breakthrough in the negotiations to reach a deal with the Hamas terror organization to return the Israeli hostages. "We're working on tying up the last loose ends before a final agreement," the officials stated, noting that the agreement will most probably be signed later in the evening or on Thursday.
If the deal were to be signed on Thursday, the first three hostages could be expected to be released on Sunday. On the seventh day of the deal, four hostages will be released, on the 14th, 21st, 28th, and 35th days three will be released, and during the final week, the remaining 14 hostages will be released.
Live Updates:
Wednesday, January 15th:
5:58 p.m.: In light of reports about an imminent agreement, the members of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum stated that they welcome and deeply appreciate the return of every hostage - "each one representing hope and relief not only for their immediate family but for our entire community."
They added that they "urgently call for a framework that ensures the return of every person held captive.
"After more than 460 days, our loved ones continue to endure unimaginable. Though we celebrate each reunion, our mission remains unfinished until all hostages - both the living and the dead - are returned home. For the 30 hostages murdered in captivity, this agreement comes tragically too late.
"This agreement marks a crucial step, but it must be carried through to completion in all its stages. We hope it leads to a comprehensive deal ensuring everyone's safe return. We will not rest until we see the last hostage back home."
5:55 p.m.: Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar announced that he is concluding his diplomatic visit to Italy this evening, during which he met, among others, with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini, and Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio. Sa'ar also met with the President of Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana and members of the Italy-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Association. Additionally, he held a meeting with dozens of influencers and Israel advocacy activists in Italy and gave interviews to local media outlets.
Following the progress in the hostage release negotiations, Minister Sa'ar cut short the continuation of his diplomatic visit, which was scheduled to continue tomorrow in Hungary. He will return to Israel tonight to participate in the expected discussions and votes in the Security Cabinet and government.
5:45 p.m.: Prime Minister Netanyahu has begun a situational assessment with the negotiation team in Doha.
5:38 p.m.: Representatives of President Biden and President-elect Trump will attend the statement by the Qatari prime minister on the hostage deal.
5:12 p.m.: Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs said that the hostage deal includes the IDF remaining on the Philadelphi Corridor and the possibility of resuming combat operations in Gaza if Hamas does not advance to the next stages of the deal.
"The May 27 deal was approved by the US on August 16 and includes the map of IDF forces remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor, a perimeter along the entire Gaza border, and the possibility of returning to fighting at the end of Phase A if negotiations on Phases B and C do not mature in a way that ensures the realization of the war's goals: the military and governmental destruction of Hamas and the return of all the hostages," said Fuchs.
5:10 p.m.: Minister Bezalel Smotrich met with Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer to discuss the hostage deal.
5:08 p.m.: Report: Qatari PM will hold a press conference this evening to discuss the hostage negotiations.
4:53 p.m.: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene a situational assessment regarding the hostage deal at 5:30 p.m. Israel time.
4:28 p.m.: A Hamas source says the terror organization gave its verbal approval of the deal draft but has not yet approved it in writing.
4:01 p.m.: The Bibas family, whose loved ones Kfir and Ariel are the youngest hostages being held by Hamas, commented on reports that they will soon be released. "We are aware of reports stating that our family is included in phase one of the agreement and that Shiri and the children are among the first scheduled to be released. Given our experience with disappointments, we consider nothing final until our loved ones cross the border.
"We are waiting for certainty regarding their release and condition, and request not to be contacted during this sensitive time. We ask that people refrain from spreading rumors.
"We continue to appeal to the Prime Minister and demand the return of everyone until the last hostage is home."
3:16 p.m.: The Israeli Prime Minister's Office denied that Hamas had given a positive answer: "Contrary to reports, the Hamas terrorist organization has yet to provide an answer regarding the deal."
3:10 p.m.: A spokesman for the Prime Minister clarified that the terrorists who murdered the Fogel family will not be released as part of the hostage deal.
3:06 p.m.: Report: Israel's Security Cabinet will convene tomorrow morning to vote on the hostage deal.
3:05 p.m.: Sources with