Israel says it expects all living hostages held by Hamas to be freed early Monday, marking a dramatic turning point in the war that has lasted two years.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters in Tel Aviv that the hostages will be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being transferred across the border into Israel and taken to the Re’im military base.
Coffins containing the remains of those who died in captivity will be draped with Israeli flags and taken to a forensic facility for identification.
In a statement posted on X, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is “prepared and ready for the immediate reception of all our hostages.” He made the comment after meeting with Gal Hirsch, the government’s Coordinator for Prisoners and Missing Persons.
Hamas Moves Hostages to Assembly Points
Reports from Israeli media suggest that Hamas has begun moving the hostages to designated assembly points ahead of their release.
Earlier on Sunday, US Vice President JD Vance told NBC’s Meet the Press that the release could happen “any moment now.” He clarified that there are no US military deployment plans in either Israel or Gaza.
Vance’s statement followed reports by the Wall Street Journal that Hamas had informed mediators of its readiness to release about 20 living hostages earlier than scheduled.
Originally, the release was planned for Monday to coincide with US President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel and later Egypt, where a peace summit of global and regional leaders is set to take place.
Trump’s Planned Visit and the Ceasefire Deal
According to The Times of Israel, Trump is considering a brief stop at one of the hospitals where the freed hostages will be treated, depending on circumstances on the ground.
During his Monday visit, Trump will be welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. His itinerary includes an address at the Knesset and a private meeting with the families of released hostages.
The ceasefire, brokered by Trump alongside Arab and European mediators, took effect on Friday and is seen as the most significant step yet toward ending the two-year Gaza war. The conflict began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others.
As the world watches, the coming hours might be a rare moment of relief for families who have waited in anguish — and perhaps, a fragile glimpse of peace after years of bloodshed.
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