Contrary to Reports, No Response on Deal from Hamas Thus Far

Photo Credit: Courtesy

Baby Kfir Beibas, held hostage in Gaza.

Despite all the media buzz about the “imminent” hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, the terrorist organization had not yet given its final answer to the mediators brokering the agreement as of Wednesday 5:30 pm Israel time.

“Contrary to reports, the Hamas terrorist organization has yet to provide an answer regarding the deal,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a terse statement issued at 3:30 pm.

International news agencies, including Associated Press, reported in the wee hours of Wednesday morning that Hamas had accepted a draft agreement for the release of “dozens of hostages” and a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, quoting two officials involved in the talks.

The 33 hostages to be freed in the first stage include women, children and those over 50, and includes all living female soldiers.

Ominously, multiple reports indicate that although Hamas is to release living hostages first, the terrorist organization may transfer bodies of the deceased if there are not enough survivors to complete the first transfer.

Since Hamas has failed to identify how many and which hostages remain alive, the status of five-year-old Ariel, almost-two-year-old Kfir, their 33-year-old mother Shiri and 35-year-old father Yarden is unknown.

Relatives of the Bibas family issued a statement in response to the multitude of reports proclaiming a “done deal” expressing cautious hope.

“We are aware of reports stating that our family is included in phase one of the agreement, and that Shiri and the children are among the first scheduled to be released,” the statement reads.

“Given our experience with disappointments, we consider nothing final until our loved ones cross the border. We are waiting for certainty regarding their release and condition, and request not to be contacted during this sensitive time. We ask that people refrain from spreading rumors,” the statement concludes.

As the time passes without a firm answer from Hamas, news agencies are beginning to dial back their previously jubilant coverage that a deal had definitely been reached, with journalists using more nuanced language in updated reported. One news agency reported that a deal is “tantalizingly close” but added that the families of the hostages are “afraid to get their hopes up and agonizing over the unknown.”

Hospitals in the Jewish State were reportedly instructed to prepare for the arrival of those hostages who are released. However, their status is still unknown, and Hamas has not seen fit to enlighten even those negotiating the deal, including top officials from Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

The next move is up to Hamas.