An Israel Hamas hostage deal has been signed to release 48 hostages held for over two years, pending Israeli government approval Thursday, which will initiate a ceasefire to end the war.
Government Approval Triggers Ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged his government to approve the agreement, with the security cabinet and full government set to convene on Thursday morning. The deal’s terms state a ceasefire will commence 24 hours after the Israeli government officially approves the plan.
Once the ceasefire begins, Hamas will have 72 hours to release all 48 hostages. The first living hostages could be returned to Israel as early as Saturday, with all 20 expected to be home by Sunday.
Terms of the Israel Hamas Hostage Deal
The agreement secures the return of 20 living hostages and 28 deceased hostages who have been held for 733 days. Hamas has indicated it may be improbable to quickly locate all deceased bodies, with some allegedly buried under rubble.
The transfer of the hostages is to be conducted “[in] one fell swoop and without public ceremonies.” The return of the deceased individuals is scheduled to begin on Monday, following the return of the living.
IDF Withdrawal and Palestinian Prisoner Release
As part of the Gaza ceasefire terms, the Israel Defense Forces will begin an IDF withdrawal Gaza to a designated line within 24 hours of the government’s approval. The military will, however, remain in 53% of the Gaza Strip until every hostage is returned.
The agreement also includes a large-scale Palestinian prisoner release. Israel will free approximately 1,700 Gazans arrested after the October 2023 attacks and about 250 Palestinians serving life sentences.
The release does not include members of Hamas’ Nukhba force who participated in the Oct. 7 attacks. Israeli officials also excluded prominent Hamas commanders considered “[symbols of] terrorist organizations.“
Netanyahu Credits Trump for Landmark Deal
Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the agreement, which was presented by U.S. President Donald Trump last month after negotiations by Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators. “With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home,” Netanyahu said. “This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel.“
He attributed the breakthrough to the Netanyahu Trump Hamas hostage deal collaboration. “Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point,” the Prime Minister stated.
Netanyahu added, “I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.” President Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday.
Israel Prepares for Hostages’ Return
Preparations are underway to receive the hostages, who have endured horrific conditions, including starvation, torture, and a lack of medical care. A specialized trauma-oriented recovery plan has been established for their return.
The plan is based on professional knowledge gained from previous abductees and is broken into five stages. Returned hostages will be received at Ichilov Medical Center and other facilities, where a transition phase of care could last up to a month.
