Israel is poised for the anticipated release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, with plans for their transfer to the Red Cross early on Monday morning. Shosh Bedrosian, spokesperson for the Israeli government, confirmed these developments during a press briefing in Tel Aviv on Sunday.
Upon their release, the hostages are expected to be transferred across the border into Israel, where they will be brought to the Re’im military base. In a somber acknowledgment, Israeli flags will adorn the coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages before they are sent to a forensic facility for identification.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country is “prepared and ready for the immediate reception of all our hostages.”
Netanyahu’s remarks were disseminated through social media following a meeting with Gal Hirsch, the Coordinator for the Prisoners and Missing. Reports from Israeli media indicate that Hamas has commenced preparations to transfer the hostages to designated Assembly Points ahead of their release.
Potential early release of hostages
There were indications earlier that Hamas might expedite the release process by as early as Sunday. US Vice President JD Vance mentioned on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the release could occur “any moment now”. He further clarified that there are no current plans for US military deployment in Israel or Gaza.
Vance’s comments align with reports indicating that Hamas has communicated to intermediaries its intent to release approximately 20 living hostages ahead of the previously scheduled date, as noted in the Wall Street Journal. This release was initially set for Monday, coinciding with the visit of US President Donald Trump to Israel and subsequently to Egypt, where a summit of world leaders is planned to discuss the Gaza peace deal.
Trump’s visit and plans
In conjunction with these developments, preparations are being made for President Trump to make a brief visit to a hospital receiving the freed hostages on Monday, contingent on circumstances. According to reports from The Times of Israel, Trump’s schedule will include a welcoming ceremony at the airport with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, a speech in the Knesset, and a meeting with the families of the hostages.
The recent ceasefire, facilitated by Trump alongside key Arab negotiators, took effect on Friday and represents a significant step towards ending the two-year conflict that began with the deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the kidnapping of 251 others.