An unnamed senior Israeli official is quoted telling several Hebrew media outlets that Israel is currently weighing a proposed deal for the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas, not 20.
The official adds the length of the ceasefire accompanying the hostages’ released will be determined by the number of captives that Hamas frees.
Are there 33 hostages still left alive? I am doubtful of that prospect after more than six months. Even if there are, though, Hamas won't go for it. They have repeatedly made clear that their demands for the destruction of Israel as a Jewish homeland are non-negotiable.
I suspect that the unity government is making the offer to further demonstrate the futility of negotiating with terrorists. But that should be clear enough by now.
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