Israel was “closer to a ceasefire deal than we have ever been,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said during a closed-door parliamentary committee hearing Monday.
Hamas would also see a large number of Palestinian prisoners released by Israel as part of the deal, the sources said.
Hamas has not confirmed to NBC News or others’ reporting that it has agreed to Israeli troops in Gaza.
"After the military and governmental power of Hamas in Gaza is defeated, Israel will securely control Gaza with full freedom of action" he posted on X, likening this outcome to Israel’s current control over the occupied West Bank.
Katz did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for details on what “full freedom of action” would mean.
Persons:
Israel, Israel Katz, Jack Guez, ”, Israel “, Katz, Yossi Mekelberg, Hamza Z, Gershon Baskin, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Omar Al, Jake Sullivan, Bashar al, Assad
Organizations:
” Defense, NBC News, Hamas, Getty, Street Journal, West Bank, NBC, Bank, Israel, Chatham House’s, WhatsApp, Ahli Arab Hospital, Biden
Locations:
Gaza, Israel, Tel Aviv, AFP, Doha, Qatar, East, North Africa, Gaza City, Anadolu, Al, Ahli, Iran