DAY 465 OF THE WAR: Israel and Hamas on the Cusp of a Hostage/Ceasefire Deal, Five Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Explosion, Houthis Fire Missile and Drone at Israel

Tel Aviv Diary, January 13, 2025

It was a very unusual day, marked by a mix of both optimism and concern. This morning began with numerous reports hinting that negotiations for the hostages' release were close to reaching a conclusion. Yet, just moments after, as I walked Milo, I heard and then saw a military helicopter heading towards Ichilov Hospital overhead. Regrettably, such occurrences typically signal an incident involving significant casualties, this time in Gaza.

As hours passed, the signs increasingly suggested that a hostage release agreement had indeed been brokered. Before any official positive affirmation towards an agreement could be released, the Army confirmed the grave news I had been dreading all day. In Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, five soldiers lost their lives and ten others sustained injuries. All were members of the Nahal Commando Brigade and were inside a building when it was struck by a powerful explosion. Tragically, the building's collapse has left eight of the wounded in critical condition.

The five soldiers who were killed include:

• Capt. Yair Yakov Shushan, 23, from Ma’alot-Tarshiha

• Staff Sgt. Yahav Hadar, 20, from Kfar Tavor

• Staff Sgt. Guy Karmiel, 20, from Gedera

• Staff Sgt. Yoav Feffer, 19, from Herzliya

• Staff Sgt. Aviel Wiseman, 20, from Poria Illit

  

Throughout the day, the nation remained on edge, anticipating the official announcement of an agreement with Hamas regarding a hostage release and ceasefire. It is hard to fathom the anguish the families of the hostages are undoubtedly experiencing.

The current agreement is almost identical to the proposal initially put forth by President Biden and Netanyahu in May, (labeled the “Netanyahu proposal,)” which the Prime Minister subsequently torpedoed. Initially, Netanyahu talked about restarting the war (after the initial group of hostages were released). Subsequently, Netanyahu transformed the evacuation of the Philadelphi corridor into a major point of dispute. Under the current agreement, we are scheduled to vacate the Philadelphi corridor.

Two factors seem to have catalyzed this shift toward successfully reaching an agreement. Firstly, during a swift visit to Israel on Saturday, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, likely gave Netanyahu a stern ultimatum, emphasizing the need to conclude the war and facilitate the return of the hostages if he expects Trump’s support on other matters. Secondly, the ongoing actions in Gaza are proving exceedingly costly in terms of soldiers’ lives. Netanyahu surely realizes that continuing to fight in Gaza will lead to even greater losses with minimal gains. We are all waiting with bated breath for the official declaration of the agreement by both Israel and Hamas, and above all, to see the release of both the first and last hostages. It is deeply tragic that this deal could have been reached in May, potentially preventing the loss of so many lives.

HAMAS/ISRAEL AGREEMENT

The agreement stipulates the release of 33 hostages, the majority of whom Israel believes are still alive. However, the exact status of who is alive and who was killed will only be confirmed upon their release. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel will withdraw from the densely populated areas of Gaza. Approximately 1,000 terrorists will be released, with those responsible for the most severe crimes being deported. Additionally, residents of Gaza will be permitted to return to northern Gaza. Negotiations aimed at ending the war and securing the release of any remaining hostages are scheduled to begin within 15 days from the start. The initial group of hostages are expected to be released on the first day of the ceasefire.

Tonight, demonstrations took place in Jerusalem protesting the agreement. The protesters comprised a diverse, odd group, including parents of several hostages not included in the initial release, opposing the securing of a partial agreement rather than a comprehensive one to return all hostages at once. Additionally, there were demonstrators who objected to any deal, opposing both the exchange of hostages for terrorist prisoners and stopping the war.

HOUTHIS

Despite Israel, along with the U.S. and its coalition partners conducting several strikes on strategic targets in Yemen, the Houthis managed to launch a drone towards Israel this morning. The Israeli Air Force intercepted the drone before it could cause any damage. Tonight, the Houthis fired a missile at Israel, which was intercepted