Israel approves troop withdrawal plan from Gaza: Report

Israel has authorized plans for a rapid withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip, following significant progress in prisoner exchange negotiations with Hamas, according to reports in Israeli media, Haaretz.

Israeli military plans swift troop withdrawal

The Israeli military has approved multiple strategies for the swift evacuation of soldiers stationed in Gaza, Haaretz newspaper reported Saturday. One proposed route involves using the Netzarim Corridor, which bisects the Gaza.

Despite having established extensive infrastructure and operational positions in the region, the military stated it is prepared to implement any government agreement swiftly, including troop withdrawal measures.

Government negotiations advance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the dispatch of a high-ranking delegation to Qatar to further negotiations.

Among the officials involved are Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet director Ron Bar, Nitzan Alon—responsible for the hostage portfolio within the Israeli army—and Netanyahu’s political advisor Ophir Falk.

The negotiations are reportedly hung up on a critical demand from Hamas for “guarantees” that Israel will honor a second phase of the agreement.

Hamas remains apprehensive that Netanyahu might resume military actions following the completion of the initial phase.

Adding to the urgency of the discussions, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Steve Witkoff, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, arrived unannounced in Israel on Saturday to meet with Netanyahu. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are also working to finalize the agreement ahead of Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

Prisoner exchange details near finalization

Israeli media outlet Yedioth Ahronoth, citing political sources, reported that 90% of the terms for a prisoner exchange agreement have been finalized. The deal aims to secure the release of hostages in exchange for concessions involving detainees held by Israel.