The reports over the past few days about the chance for a deal to free the hostages have been a source of optimism for much of the Israeli public. The reports say that in the first stage of the deal, women, the elderly and the sick will be released from captivity. A small number of living hostages will remain with Hamas as a guarantee that the full agreement will be implemented. In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, institute a cease-fire and stage a partial withdrawal from the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors.