Sinwar’s Deputy: No Withdrawal from Philadelphi? No Deal

Senior Hamas member Khalil al-Hayya, who is considered the deputy of the group’s leader Yahya Sinwar, told Qatari media on Sunday, September 1, that there would be no agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire without the withdrawal of IDF forces from the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors.

On the recent negotiations for a deal, al-Hayya said that “several technical committees continued the discussions, but [Hamas] did not take part in them and they did not reach any results.”

Last Thursday, the security cabinet decided to approve the continued presence of IDF troops along the Philadelphi Corridor, as part of a possible deal for the release of hostages.

On Sunday, after the IDF recovered the bodies of the six hostages who were murdered by Hamas, Gallant said “The cabinet must gather immediately and reverse the decision made on Thursday. It is too late for the hostages who were murdered in cold blood. We must bring back the hostages that are still being held by Hamas. The State of Israel will pursue all Hamas leaders and murderers.”

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood firm on IDF retention of the Philadelphi Corridor, stressing that caving now would send a dangerous signal that such tactics work.

“Such a step would be a reward for terrorism and would send a dangerous message to Hamas that killing our hostages pays off,” Netanyahu told the ministers. “This will lead to demands for more and more concessions that will endanger Israel’s security,” he said, according to sources.  (INN / VFI News)

“Lord, we pray in Yeshua’s name that You will mediate the release of all the remaining hostages. You are close to the wounded, the captives and the broken-hearted and we ask that the hostages break free from Hamas’ chains and return to their loving families. We pray that You will make a way where there is no way and bring the hostages home.”