Israel Proposes One-Way Gaza Departures to Egypt, Tied to Hostage Remains

Israel has proposed allowing Gazans to exit the besieged territory into Egypt on a one-way basis. This would occur as part of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement that began on October 9. An Israeli official stated that residents could leave "in the coming days." However, Egypt had requested that the Rafah border crossing operate in both directions. Israel has set a condition for any two-way operation. It demands that Hamas return the remains of its last known deceased hostage. The current proposal would only permit departures from Gaza into Egypt. The ceasefire, now in its second phase, aims to facilitate further hostage and prisoner exchanges. The situation at the Rafah crossing remains a sensitive point in the ongoing negotiations.