"Israel to Begin Hamas Hostage Exchange Ceasefire as Early as the 23rd"

"4-5 Days Ceasefire, 50 Israelis Released"
Netanyahu: "War Will Continue After Ceasefire"

As temporary ceasefire negotiations for a hostage exchange between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas continue, local media reports have emerged suggesting that a ceasefire could take place as early as the 23rd (local time), drawing significant attention. The Israeli government’s position is to first exchange hostages through a temporary ceasefire and then resume hostilities, but with ongoing domestic and international pressure for a ceasefire, controversy is expected to grow.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 21st (local time), Israeli media Channel 12 cited officials attending a cabinet meeting, reporting, "A temporary ceasefire for a hostage exchange in the Gaza Strip is expected to begin as early as the 23rd." The ceasefire is anticipated to last 4 to 5 days, during which 50 Israelis and 150 to 300 Palestinian prisoners will be exchanged and released.

According to Channel 12, Hamas is expected to release 12 hostages daily in stages during the temporary ceasefire period and is also reportedly demanding the entry of fuel and other essential supplies into the Gaza Strip. The Israeli cabinet is continuing discussions on the temporary ceasefire plan and is expected to make a final approval decision within the day, Channel 12 reported.

While efforts by the United States and the international community to mediate an extension of the ceasefire are expected to continue after the temporary ceasefire, the Israeli government has stated that it will resume the war immediately after the temporary ceasefire period ends, sparking controversy.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in his opening remarks at the cabinet meeting, "We will not stop the war even after the ceasefire," drawing a clear line by saying, "There are absurd rumors circulating that we will completely stop the war after the ceasefire to retrieve the hostages." He continued, "We will eliminate Hamas, ensure that all hostages and missing persons return, and guarantee that there is no longer any threat to Israel from the Gaza Strip," emphasizing once again that the war will continue until Hamas is eliminated.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.