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The Israeli government has confirmed that the release of the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza is expected to begin early Monday morning, marking a highly anticipated step in the first phase of the recently brokered ceasefire and peace agreement. The news brings a wave of mixed emotion—relief for the returning families and profound sorrow for those awaiting the return of deceased loved ones.
The agreement, mediated by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, initiates a complex process designed to return all remaining hostages in exchange for a large number of Palestinian prisoners and a limited Israeli military withdrawal.
The Hostage Release Timeline and Process
Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian stated that they anticipate the 20 remaining living hostages to be released to the Red Cross simultaneously. The full process is expected to unfold over the next few days:
Monday Morning Release: The living hostages are expected to be transferred by Hamas to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) inside Gaza. They are to be transported in several vehicles, with the Israeli government insisting on a handover "without any sick displays by Hamas."
Transfer to Israel: Once in ICRC custody, the hostages will be moved to Israeli-controlled parts of Gaza and then transferred to southern Israel for immediate medical assessment and reunification with their families.
The Deceased Hostages: Following the transfer of the living captives, the remains of the 28 deceased hostages are expected to be returned to Israel. Forensic teams at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute have completed preparations for a meticulous identification process to ensure proper and dignified burial.
The entire process is a key part of a 72-hour window for the release of all 48 remaining hostages, which began after the IDF withdrew to agreed-upon lines within Gaza on Friday, initiating the official ceasefire.
Exchange for Palestinian Prisoners and Ceasefire Details
In return for the hostages, Israel is set to release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli Ministry of Justice has already published the names of the individuals slated for release.
Prisoner Exchange: The exchange will include up to 250 Palestinian prisoners convicted of murder and other serious security crimes, as well as an additional 1,700 Palestinians who were detained in Gaza since the conflict began two years ago.
Gaza Withdrawal: As agreed, the Israeli military has begun to withdraw its forces from former conflict hotspots in western Gaza to an "agreed-upon line" to maintain the ceasefire.
Humanitarian Aid: The deal also includes provisions for an immediate surge of full humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has faced severe food shortages and famine in some areas.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped broker the agreement, is expected to visit Israel on Monday morning to mark the ceasefire and hostage deal, delivering an address to the Knesset.
The coming days will be a crucial test for the fragile agreement, as both sides manage the sensitive exchanges amid hopes that this initial phase will pave the way toward a more lasting end to the two-year war.
