Jerusalem (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Israeli hostages held by Hamas to be released under a US-mediated ceasefire as President Donald Trump announces the war’s end en route to Israel.
As reported by The Telegraph, the first phase of the Gaza peace plan begins today, with Hamas set to release Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
According to Israeli media, hostages in Gaza’s Netzarim will begin being released at 8 am, with further groups freed in Khan Younis until 10 am.
The Israeli government anticipates the handover of 20 surviving hostages and 28 deceased from Gaza in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s views on the Israeli hostages’ return
Ahead of the hostages’ release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Tomorrow our children will return to our borders.”
He added,
“Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path – a path of rebuilding, a path of healing, and, I hope, a path of united hearts.”
Mr Netanyahu also wrote a personal note from them saying,
“On behalf of the entire people of Israel — welcome back! We waited for you, we embrace you.”
What did the Israeli military say about the hostages’ transfer in Gaza?
The Israeli defense forces said Red Cross vehicles are in position at the northern Gaza transfer site.
An Israeli security official said,
“The IDF is preparing for the transfer and return of the hostages as part of the implementation of the agreement, in the coming morning hours, starting at 08:00 in the northern Gaza Strip. The times are subject to change, and updates will be provided as information becomes available.”
The IDF added,
“According to received information, the Red Cross is on its way to a meeting point in the northern sector, where several hostages will be handed over to it.”
It added,
“The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later.”
How will Israeli hostages be released and reunited with their families?
All hostages are expected to be handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas at various locations, officials report.
The initial group of hostages to be released includes six survivors: Matan Angrest, brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, and Omri Miran.
Hostages in the second group are expected to be freed two hours later in Khan Yunis. After release, hostages are set to be taken to Re’im military base in southern Israel to reunite with their relatives.
Hostages will be flown to Sheba, Ichilov, and Beilinson hospitals for care, including special diets and mental health support.
The body of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin, held in Gaza since 2014, is expected to be returned by Hamas.
The militant group has released the names of 20 surviving Israeli hostages set to be freed on Monday, including: Bar Abraham Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Angrest, Matan Zangauker, Eitan Horn, Eitan Abraham Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, Ariel Cunio, and David Cunio.
Thousands in Hostages Square cheered as the handover of hostages to the Red Cross commenced.
Donald Trump’s views on the war in Gaza and the ceasefire
As he headed to Israel, Donald Trump said the war in Gaza “is over” ahead of the hostages’ release.
Mr Trump said people are “tired” of the conflict and expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold after the hostage and prisoner exchange.
He stated,
“It’s been centuries [of fighting]… not just recent. I think people are tired of it. Yeah, the ceasefire is going to hold.”
President Trump added,
“The war is over. The war is over, you understand that?”
After meeting the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Trump will head to Egypt for a summit with global leaders.
Kamal Atatra’s family’s views before his release
Kamal Atatra, jailed 23 years ago for murder, is due to be released in a hostage detainee swap. His brother Mohammed and the family have been waiting anxiously since last night.
Atatra said,
“We haven’t seen him for two years, since the war started, we don’t know what condition he will be in. His own son doesn’t know him.”
Um Abed, the 60-year-old sister of Kamal, added,
“No singing, no celebrations, no music. We are afraid that they will arrest him again.”
Why Gaza peace summit being held in Egypt?
The Gaza Summit in Egypt aims to end the war in the Gaza Strip and enhance efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.
Global leaders are meeting to agree on a ceasefire, release hostages, and rebuild Gaza, aiming for lasting peace and relief for its people.
Many leaders are joining this summit today, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.