The terror group Hamas has allegedly started transferring hostages to specified areas in Gaza in preparation for a ceasefire and hostage deal — in principle — with Israel, which may start as early as Wednesday — according to intelligence sources.
News of a potential deescalation in the Middle East war follows threats by President-elect Donald Trump, who said there would be "Hell to pay" if hostages weren't released by his January 20 inauguration.
"All Hell will break out," said Trump. "It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good, frankly, for anyone."
Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States helped broker the potential deal. Under proposed terms, Hamas would release a group of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Israel freeing Palestinian prisoners.
The deal includes a six-week ceasefire, during which there would be some withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, allowing for further negotiations on additional hostage releases and a more permanent ceasefire.
"We are waiting for Hamas's response and then we can start immediately," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
Details of the deal include the release of women, older men, and hostages with illnesses by Hamas.
In return, Israel has agreed to release three groups of Palestinian prisoners — 1,000 detainees including minors, older men, and those with illnesses, 48 Palestinians re-arrested after a previous exchange and 22 serving life sentences, who would be exiled to countries like Turkey, Qatar, or Egypt.
Israeli TV says on the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas will release the three female civilian hostages, then Bibas children, then female soldiers Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, and Daniella Gilboa.
