Israel announced on Sunday its anticipation of the imminent release of all living hostages held in the Gaza Strip on Monday. This development marks a significant step forward in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, coinciding with the anticipated influx of aid deliveries into the enclave. The forthcoming visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to Israel and Egypt adds to the rapid series of events following the ceasefire announcement, instilling hope for resolution in the two-year-long conflict.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian confirmed that all 20 living hostages would be released simultaneously to the Red Cross and transported in a convoy of six to eight vehicles. Unlike previous exchanges, militants were not expected to conduct the release in stages. The hostages would then be taken to a military base for reunification with their families or immediate medical attention if required.
Following the hostage release, Israel planned to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees and receive the 28 hostages presumed deceased, with a ceremony scheduled in Gaza. The deceased individuals would undergo identification procedures at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. An international task force was set to commence efforts to locate any deceased hostages not returned within 72 hours, according to Gal Hirsch, Israel’s co-ordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons.
Efforts were underway to facilitate an increase in aid entering the war-affected Gaza territory. The Israeli military authority responsible for humanitarian aid in Gaza projected a rise in aid deliveries to around 600 trucks daily, as outlined in the ceasefire agreement. Egypt dispatched 400 aid trucks to Gaza on Sunday, carrying essential supplies such as medical items, tents, blankets, food, and fuel, with the vehicles undergoing screening by Israeli troops at the Kerem Shalom crossing.
The fate of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which replaced the UN aid operation as the primary food provider in Gaza, remained uncertain. Amid chaotic operations and casualties caused by Israeli forces during aid distribution, several GHF food distribution sites were dismantled following the ceasefire deal. The GHF representative acknowledged potential operational adjustments and temporary site closures during the hostage transfer but assured no change to the long-term plan.
In preparation for Trump’s visit, which facilitated the ceasefire agreement, plans were in place for his arrival in Israel and subsequent travel to Egypt for a peace summit. Details regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel under the agreement were yet to be announced, including individuals serving life sentences and those detained without charge from Gaza during the conflict. The Health Ministry in Gaza advocated for the release of medical personnel detained by Israel during the war.
Palestinians began returning to areas vacated by Israeli forces, with many finding their homes reduced to rubble. The ceasefire allowed for search operations in previously inaccessible zones, resulting in the recovery of bodies buried under debris. The situation prompted the ministry to invite non-violent gang members to surrender and receive amnesty, while addressing extrajudicial activities carried out by certain groups.
The devastating impact of the two-year conflict between Hamas-led militants and Israel resulted in significant casualties, displacements, and destruction in Gaza. While the ceasefire marked a temporary respite, uncertainties persisted regarding the long-term governance of Gaza and the fate of Hamas post-war. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz outlined plans to dismantle Hamas-built tunnels in Gaza with international support following the hostages’ release.