Israeli officials assess that Hamas will not agree to free all living hostages in a second stage of the ceasefire deal, as they are its insurance policy vis-à-vis Israel, Channel 12 news reports, without citing its sources.
For this reason, those officials tell the network they believe there will be no choice but to return to fighting after the first phase ends.
Under the ceasefire deal, Israel and Hamas agreed to a 42-day first phase that will see the return of 33 hostages. They will soon start holding talks on a potential second stage. That phase, if agreed on, would see the release of all remaining living hostages in return for a permanent ceasefire. Remaining bodies would be returned in a third phase.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security assessment on possible scenarios today as the first phase continues.
Netanyahu is expected to discuss the future of the ceasefire when he meets US President Donald Trump next week in Washington.
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From the Liveblog of
Friday, January 31, 2025
