Live Gaza Updates: Hostages in Israel and Trump’s Tel Aviv Visit
Tensions remain high as authorities on the ground coordinate a delicate ceasefire exchange in Gaza. The latest information indicates that 20 living Israeli hostages are set to be released in the coming hours, marking a pivotal moment in a conflict that has affected millions. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is expected to provide a two-hour advance warning before the process begins, ensuring a traceable and orderly handover process.
How the Release Is Structured
Under the current peace plan, the hostage release is staged and tightly choreographed. The ICRC will facilitate the transfer of the hostages from Hamas and will coordinate their transport to the Israel-Gaza border. From there, they will be handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for medical care and onward processing. The 20 living hostages are the first to be released, followed later by the transfer of the remains of 28 deceased hostages. In exchange, Israel is expected to release 250 Palestinian prisoners.
Dates, Timings, and International Attention
The timing of the hostage release has been subject to some fluctuation, but officials indicate that the process should begin by midday local time, roughly 8 p.m. AEDT. The schedule aligns with a high-profile diplomatic moment: US President Donald Trump is slated to address the Knesset in Jerusalem before traveling to the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh for a regional peace summit. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are also expected to participate in the talks, alongside Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not listed as part of the summit participants in the early reports.
What People on the Ground Are Seeing
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza from southern parts of the Strip amid the pause in major fighting. The IDF says it has pulled back from certain areas around Gaza City as part of the de-escalation measures tied to the ceasefire, though it remains in control of the majority of the territory. Aid deliveries have resumed, with trucks crossing into Gaza and then being routed through supply channels on the Gaza side. Witnesses describe scenes of both hopeful relief and stark hardship, including crowded aid convoys and visible destruction in places like Khan Younis. Experts caution that while a ceasefire offers momentary relief, rebuilding and long-term stability will take years.
Voices and Reactions
Capturing the human dimension of the crisis, families describe the waiting period as an emotional roller coaster. “The war has stopped, and the suffering has ended” said a Gaza resident as she and her daughter moved toward their home, scarred by the conflict. On the Israeli side, anticipation is tinged with anxious questions about timing and logistics as the release window narrows. Analysts emphasize that even with a deal in place, the civilian experience of the ceasefire—rebuilding homes, restoring services, and addressing trauma—will be the long-term test of peace.
What Comes Next
In the immediate hours following the releases, hospitals in Israel will receive the first wave of freed hostages for medical assessment and care. The families of the 28 deceased hostages await the return of remains, a process that may extend beyond the initial hours. On the broader horizon, regional leaders and international mediators will monitor adherence to the ceasefire terms, with the potential for further negotiations or adjustments as humanitarian conditions improve and security concerns evolve.
Keep Following Our Coverage
This live coverage will continue to update as new information becomes available. Our team in Tel Aviv, Gaza, and regional capitals will report on the timing of the releases, the movements of dignitaries, and the day-to-day realities of those affected by the ceasefire. For in-depth context, you can read companion pieces from our colleagues in the Middle East on the ongoing implications of the ceasefire and the humanitarian response.
