Israeli delegation secures release of 30 hostages during Cairo visit

During an official visit to Cairo, an Israeli delegation led by Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi secured the release of 30 hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement.

The selected hostages meet the criteria for immediate release, predominantly consisting of elderly individuals aged over 50, many of whom require urgent medical care, Caliber.Az reports, citing Al Akhbar. Soldiers are expected to be freed at a later stage of the agreement's implementation.

In return for the hostages' release, Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. The hostages will be freed gradually, with one being released every two days.

However, sources involved in the talks warned that potential obstacles remain, particularly regarding the list of militants to be freed in exchange. The release of hostages is also contingent on the pace of humanitarian aid deliveries.

Egyptian officials have reportedly discussed with the Israeli delegation the issue of controlling the Philadelphi Corridor and preparations for the potential ceasefire. The main point of contention is who will oversee the corridor to prevent the smuggling of weapons, particularly if Israel agrees to refrain from military operations in the area under the ceasefire terms.

Israel, sources say, is willing to accept Palestinian Authority control over the Philadelphi Corridor, provided Hamas representatives are excluded and oversight is conducted in accordance with Israeli, rather than Palestinian, standards.

If negotiations proceed smoothly, Al Akhbar reports that a ceasefire could be implemented by the end of this week or early next week.

Notably, Hamas gunmen took over 250 hostages to Gaza after their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, according to Israeli sources. In retaliation, Israel's offensive on Gaza has led to the deaths of more than 44,700 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

Some families of the hostages expressed cautious optimism after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 8, where he suggested that the time had come to negotiate a hostage deal. Both sides have blamed each other for obstructing an agreement, though Israeli official Saar noted that Hamas' stance might have shifted in recent times, increasing the likelihood of a resolution.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued overnight into December 9. Medics reported that at least four people were killed in a strike near Jabalia camp in the north. In Rafah, near the southern Gaza border, rescue teams recovered at least 11 bodies following overnight and December 9 airstrikes. Additionally, residents of Al-Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip reported Israeli tanks pushing into the eastern part of the camp early on December 9, prompting some people to flee their homes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev