John Kirby, the Strategic Communications Coordinator at the U.S. National Security Council, reported today, Wednesday, that "the prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas is proceeding correctly and positively."

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation quoted Kirby this evening, Wednesday, saying that "the talks are fruitful and moving in the right direction," according to what Sputnik Agency published.

The American official pointed to "good progress regarding the exchange of prisoners and detainees between Israel and Hamas," saying that "considering the talks ongoing is positive in itself."

In a related context, the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post revealed a "maneuver and secret plan" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aimed at establishing a military government in Gaza and creating a future Palestinian state.

The newspaper said: "The first phase involves the formation of a comprehensive Israeli military government in Gaza to oversee humanitarian aid and take responsibility for the civilian population during the transitional period."

It added: "The second phase will be the formation of an international Arab alliance including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, the UAE, Bahrain, and others," pointing out that "this alliance is expected to be part of a broader regional normalization agreement supporting the establishment of the new Palestinian authority."

The newspaper mentioned that "officials in the new authority do not belong to Hamas nor are they directly affiliated with the President of the Palestinian Authority (Mahmoud Abbas)," adding that "Israel will have the right to carry out security operations in Gaza."

According to the same newspaper, if "this phase proceeds smoothly within a predetermined timeline of two to four years, Israel will recognize a defined Palestinian state on the territory of the Palestinian Authority."

The newspaper considered that "this plan, which represents a test balloon" by Netanyahu, aligns with the comprehensive Middle East settlement efforts led by the United States, which include Gaza, the Palestinian Authority, and Saudi Arabia.