Israel-Hamas War Flash Report 22 NOV 2023 - 00:30 PST - 300 Palestinians to be Released as Part of the Cease-Fire

It is unclear if the 300 will be released during the upcoming four-day cease-fire or if they are part of the extended agreement. Hamas and Israel have agreed that if they can get through the four-day cease-fire, it can be extended another day for an additional ten hostages released by Hamas. 

We've done a quick scan (not a deep analysis) of the 300 Palestinians authorized by Israeli government decree 1077. They range in age from 16 to 30 and are male and female. Crimes they are being held in custody for range from rock throwing to attempted murder, assault, and using IEDs. 

We have no insight into whether Hamas requested specifically for these people to be released, if the Israeli government chose the people, or if this was part of negotiations. 

Hamas, on their part, has said that all but ten children being held hostage will be released, adding they don't know where the other ten are located. They did not make a specific allegation that any children had been killed by IAF bombing. In late October, when Hamas traveled to Moscow, they claimed they would give priority to releasing eight Russian hostages but also claimed they didn't know where they were located. The deal never happened. 

Both combatants have issued statements in the last four to six hours that firmly show neither are interested in a permanent cease-fire and plan to resume fighting. 

Where the heck are the Israel-Hamas War SITREPS?

As part of the new (or really trying to return to the old) me, I've drawn a red line - no more work after 01:00 hours local time unless World War III breaks out. This went well last week, but the Ukraine SITREPS have taken more time this week.