IntelBrief: An Extended Truce in Gaza

Bottom Line Up Front

• An initial four-day truce between Israel and Hamas, extended this week by two days, might serve as a proof of concept that could lead to longer truces and new categories of hostage releases.
• Following the release of civilian women and children, further negotiations could seek to secure male hostages and potentially human remains held by each side, though Hamas will likely save active Israeli soldiers for its last tranche of hostages, as they are viewed as the most valuable bargaining chips.
• Israel’s dual priorities of securing hostages and militarily defeating Hamas will be tested should Hamas condition the release of military captives on a settlement leading into a lasting ceasefire.
• 210 Palestinian prisoners had been freed from Israeli jails and 99 hostages had been released from Gaza as of Wednesday evening.