Gaza: Hamas reaffirmed its willingness to implement the second and third phases of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a statement that the group had agreed, at the request of a mediator, to double the number of Israeli hostages to be released, demonstrating its commitment to the deal.
Qassem rejected Israeli demands for Hamas to leave Gaza, calling them part of a “psychological war”. He stressed that Hamas would not accept Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand that the group disarm and its leaders be expelled from Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported.
Separately, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that Netanyahu had officially decided to begin negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire deal and informed the Security Cabinet of his decision. Earlier, Hamas and Israel completed the sixth prisoner-for-hostage exchange following days of tense negotiations that threatened to undo the precarious ceasefire.
In the exchange, Hamas released three more Israeli hostages held in Gaza, while Israeli authorities freed 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, effective since January 19 and spanning six weeks, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians. So far, 19 Israeli hostages, along with five Thais, have been released from Gaza, while Israeli authorities have released over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel likely to strike Iranian nuclear sites: US Intel
US intelligence agencies have warned that Israel is likely to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities in 2025, CNN reported. Sources familiar with these intelligence assessments say Israel’s actions could escalate tensions in the Middle East and lead to a wider conflict. Israeli forces have previously carried out strikes against Iranian military targets. However, the potential new attacks would go beyond past operations and focus on critical nuclear sites.
The assessments indicate that Israel wants to take advantage of Iran’s current weakened state, particularly following economic sanctions and recent military losses.
US intelligence suggests that Israel is still considering whether to use fighter jets or long-range missiles for any potential attack. Sources told CNN that Israel sees an opportunity in Iran’s current vulnerability, particularly after Israel’s recent strikes on Iran’s missile production sites and air defense systems.