Israel set to welcome the last 20 hostages from Gaza
Israel’s government announced that it is prepared to receive the final batch of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, as Hamas moves to release the last 20 captives after more than two years in captivity. Sources say the handovers could begin within hours, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ready to provide a two‑hour advance warning to coordinate the transfer to the border and onward delivery to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The deadline for Hamas to release the captives was midday local time on Monday, though officials cautioned that timing could shift as negotiations and procedures unfold. In parallel, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to undertake a whistlestop tour of the region, and the White House has hinted he may meet some of the hostages during the visit.
The ICRC, which plays a central role in recovering and transporting hostages, is preparing for a procedural handover at the Gaza border. In a marked contrast to earlier exchanges, officials said there would likely be no elaborate staged ceremony this time, reflecting a more restrained approach to the handover.
What happens next for the released captives and their families
After the handover in Gaza, the released Israelis are expected to be taken to the border crossing with Israel where they will be met by IDF teams. Medical authorities are standing by to evaluate and treat them as needed. While the living captives are the immediate focus, the release of the 28 dead hostages may take longer to coordinate and confirm with families.
The negotiations come amid a larger, ongoing exchange linked to a broader ceasefire framework that also involves Palestinian detainees. The deal is part of a delicate balance between ensuring the safety of the hostages and addressing broader political and security concerns in the region.
Reflections on the broader ceasefire and regional diplomacy
Egypt and Qatar helped broker the agreement, with negotiations taking place in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. The deal is part of a flurry of diplomacy that has included participation from Turkey, the United Kingdom, France, and the United Nations, signaling a concerted international effort to de‑escalate the Gaza crisis.
In Israel, security ministers and defense officials have stressed that the next phase will focus on destroying Hamas tunnels and ensuring demilitarization in Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the work will continue beyond hostage returns, aiming to neutralize Hamas’ weaponry and ensure long‑term regional stability.
Humanitarian aid and the situation on the ground in Gaza
As negotiations advance, aid is flowing into Gaza to address a humanitarian crisis that has persisted for years. Palpable relief was reported in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis as aid trucks crossed into the territory amid rubble-strewn streets. UNICEF warned of tens of thousands of children at risk of acute malnutrition, underscoring the urgency of sustaining aid flows alongside the ceasefire commitments.
UNRWA and other humanitarian groups are calling for unhindered access of aid convoys, including large quantities of food, blankets, and mobility aids such as wheelchairs. Jordan and Egypt are coordinating aid shipments that could provide essential relief for weeks to come.
Public sentiment and the road ahead
Public reaction in Israel has been mixed. While many families and supporters of the hostages celebrated the imminent release, some Israelis remain wary about the broader political implications and the potential impact on negotiations with Hamas. The settlers’ movement and other political factions have called for a careful approach to any new arrangements in Gaza, reflecting ongoing divisions within Israeli society about the path to lasting peace.
In the coming days, the focus will be on the careful execution of the hostage release, the safe return of those freed, and the steps needed to consolidate any ceasefire provisions into sustainable calm alongside continued humanitarian aid. The event marks a significant milestone in a crisis that has captivated global attention and tested regional diplomacy for years.
