Israeli Minister Opposes Future Hostage Releases, Cites Weakness

Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli announced his opposition to the second stage of the hostage release deal with Hamas, citing concerns that the agreement signals weakness for Israel. Speaking to a group of American Jewish leaders, he expressed that he cannot support a deal that would involve the release of hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for the remaining Israeli hostages. Chikli previously voted against the first phase of the deal, which has already seen 24 hostages released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. He warned that the current deal includes the release of 'terror experts' responsible for numerous attacks against Israelis. The backdrop of his comments included a recent chilling gesture from Hamas, involving a released hostage receiving an hourglass symbol associated with proof of life videos. The ongoing negotiations come amid heightened tensions and concerns about the potential collapse of the ceasefire agreement.