The countdown to end the two-year hostage crisis and bring an official close to the brutal war in Gaza will begin Thursday morning, as Israel’s security cabinet and government meet to approve a deal finalized overnight.
According to Fox News, once approved, Hamas will have 72 hours to release the 48 hostages — 20 believed to be alive and 28 deceased — “in one fell swoop and without public ceremonies,” according to Israeli news agency TPS-IL. The agreement was brokered by Egyptian, Qatari, Turkish, and U.S. mediators.
However, questions remain over whether Hamas can meet the 72-hour deadline after warning that locating the remains of all deceased hostages could take additional time, with some reportedly buried beneath rubble.
Under the terms of the deal, the Israel Defense Forces will begin withdrawing within 24 hours of the government’s approval to a designated line agreed upon with Hamas, though troops will remain in 53% of the Gaza Strip until all hostages—living and dead—are returned.
As part of the first phase of the plan introduced by President Donald Trump late last month, Israel will release approximately 1,700 Gazans arrested after the October 2023 attacks and around 250 Palestinians serving life sentences. Israeli officials have emphasized that the release will not include members of Hamas’ Nukhba force, which carried out the Oct. 7 attacks, nor senior Hamas commanders considered “symbols of terrorist organizations.”
Some of the freed hostages could return home as early as Saturday, after spending 733 days in captivity under dire conditions marked by starvation, torture, and lack of medical care.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement, urging government approval in a statement on X.
“With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.
“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,” he 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.”
All surviving hostages are expected to return by Sunday, with the remains of the deceased to follow beginning Monday.
In preparation, a five-stage recovery plan has been developed based on prior hostage experiences, including initial reception, the first 24 hours of hospitalization, extended medical care, a transition phase lasting up to a month, and long-term psychological and emotional support.
Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv has already readied rooms to receive the victims, complete with medical, psychological, and privacy accommodations designed to provide a calm, home-like environment.
President Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday to mark the occasion and meet with Israeli leaders.
