As Trump’s Gaza deal nears, family warns Israel not to free another Sinwar

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As President Donald Trump moves to finalize his 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, Israel faces a pivotal decision that could reshape the conflict’s aftermath. The framework envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of all hostages, and a major prisoner exchange. In return, Hamas would commit to disarmament and allow a technocratic transitional authority to manage Gaza’s reconstruction.

Part of the agreement involves releasing hundreds of convicted Palestinian terrorists, a clause that has already triggered backlash from the families of victims.

Dr. Michael Milshtein, head of the Moshe Dayan Forum at Tel Aviv University and one of Israel’s foremost experts on Hamas, told Fox News Digital that the list of roughly 250 prisoners contains names that represent what he called “a real strategic danger.”

Beyond the list of notorious prisoners, another issue threatens to derail the negotiations: Hamas’s demand to release about 90 members of its elite “Nukhba” force, the commandos who spearheaded the most horrific atrocities on the Oct. 7 attack on Israeli communities.

Milshtein, who visited the section of Ramla Prison where some of these terrorists are held, said they remain unrepentant. “I spoke with them,” he told Fox News Digital. “They are fanatical—completely committed. They show no remorse. The only thing they regret is not having killed more people.”

Hamas terrorists killed civilians, including women, children and the elderly, when they attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces via AP)

He described the Nukhba detainees as the most ideologically extreme and operationally capable among Hamas’ ranks. “They are like a special-forces division with a radical worldview,” he said. “Releasing them would be like setting loose the people who planned and executed the worst day in Israel’s history.”

Despite the risks, Milshtein acknowledged that Israel may have no alternative. “It’s a terrible dilemma,” he said. “But strategically, this may be one of those bitter compromises Israel will have to make to bring its citizens home.”