Israel announced on Sunday that it anticipates the release of all current hostages in the Gaza Strip on Monday, marking a significant step in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This development comes as preparations are underway for U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visits to Israel and Egypt, following the recent ceasefire announcement which raised hopes for ending the longstanding conflict.
According to Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian, all 20 living hostages are expected to be released simultaneously to the Red Cross and transported in a convoy of six to eight vehicles. Unlike previous exchanges, militants are not expected to stage the handover. The hostages will be taken to a military base for reunification with their families or immediate medical attention if required.
Following the release of hostages, Israel will reciprocate by freeing approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees and receiving the 28 hostages believed to be deceased. A ceremony is planned by the military in Gaza to honor these individuals, with the deceased to be transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for identification.
Meanwhile, an international task force is set to initiate efforts to locate any deceased hostages not returned within the 72-hour timeframe, as stated by Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons. In parallel, Gaza is preparing for an influx of aid deliveries as the Israeli military body responsible for humanitarian aid in Gaza announced an increase to about 600 trucks per day as part of the agreement.
Egypt also joined the aid efforts by dispatching 400 aid trucks into Gaza on Sunday, carrying essential supplies such as medical items, tents, blankets, food, and fuel. The trucks are being screened by Israeli troops at the Kerem Shalom crossing before proceeding to the designated areas in Gaza.
The fate of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which replaced the UN aid operation in May and faced operational challenges, remains uncertain. Food distribution sites in Rafah and central Gaza operated by GHF were dismantled following the ceasefire agreement.
Trump’s imminent visit to Israel and Egypt is expected to further diplomatic efforts. Trump will meet with hostage families, address the Knesset in Israel, and co-chair a peace summit in Egypt. The release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel under the ceasefire deal is also pending, including individuals serving life sentences and those detained during the conflict without charges.
As Palestinians return to their homes in previously evacuated areas, the aftermath of the war’s devastation is evident. The ceasefire has allowed for search and recovery operations, with hundreds of bodies retrieved, and efforts to rebuild shattered communities are ongoing. The long-term sustainability of the ceasefire and governance in Gaza, as well as the fate of Hamas, remain unresolved issues as the region navigates towards lasting peace.
