The IDF is wrapping up the operations in the Shejaia neighborhood of Gaza. This particular move resulted in the discovery (and destruction) of 8 tunnels that had not been found before. Hamas seems to have housed the entire military wing, including arms production, underground. The equipment brought out by the IDF included lap-top computers as well as the usual collections of weapons, ammunition, and intelligence documents. I don’t have numbers for the Hamas terrorists encountered (and mostly killed), but I’m sure there were many.
One point that the negotiators have agreed upon (and allowed the media to report on) is that neither Israel nor Hamas will be in charge during the second phase of the agreement. A new Police force, with about 2500 members, will be recruited from Palestinians who must be vetted by both sides (actually an Israeli requirement). The situation where neither side is governing is expected to continue until the end of the entire period of implementation (and probably beyond). Israel is building a sensor ‘wall’ along the border between Gaza and Egypt to help prevent any possible arms smuggling. This was a major route for military resupply for Hamas prior to the current war (even though Egypt denied it was happening).
Overall, the negotiations do seem to be making some progress. The participants are being very cautious about what is being released. This is probably to avoid creating expectations. It seems likely that both sides are tired of fighting, and have nothing more to achieve on the battlefield.
The same thing cannot be said about the Israel Hezbollah front. The Arab position is that they will cease-fire once there is an agreement in Gaza. But that appears to leave a few unanswered questions. Primarily, what about Hezbollah forces being pulled away from the border?
Wetherhorn 