Israel is expecting living hostages held in Gaza to be released Monday in its breakthrough ceasefire deal with Hamas, as Palestinians awaited the release of hundreds of prisoners held in Israel and a surge of aid into the famine-stricken territory.
“In a few hours, we will all be reunited,” Israel’s military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said in a statement.
People in Tel Aviv celebrating the announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace plan to pause the fighting.Credit: AP
It’s been more than 700 days since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, in which about 1200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage.
Israel said it expects the 20 living hostages to be released as a group on Monday. They are expected to be handed to the International Committee of the Red Cross, and then to the Israeli military, which plans to take them to the Reim military base in southern Israel to be reunited with their families.
Israel has asked the Red Cross to have ambulances ready in case a hostage needs immediate care after more than two years in captivity.
It appeared unlikely that the remains of up to 28 others will be returned at the same time. Medical experts and advocates say that would be crucial to begin the healing process for many families, and for society at large, but one ceasefire document contains stipulations for remains that aren’t returned within 72 hours.
On Sunday, Israel said “an international body” will help locate the remains if they are not released on Tuesday.
Israel, meanwhile, is also set to release 1700 Palestinians who have been detained in Gaza since October 7, 2023, and 22 Palestinian minors, along with the bodies of 360 militants. An Israeli government spokesperson said the prisoners would be released once the living hostages reach Israeli territory.
AP