TEL AVIV: Israeli authorities are on standby for the release of 48 hostages — 20 alive and 28 deceased — as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, The Jerusalem Post reported on Saturday.
While officials say the release could happen at any time, preparations are focused on Monday as the expected date.
In anticipation, Israeli forces have pulled back from certain areas of Gaza, and forensic teams are ready to begin the identification process for the deceased.
Brigadier General (res.) Gal Hirsch, Israel’s Coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons, informed families Saturday night that the process is expected to begin Monday morning. He emphasized that the return of the bodies will be handled with dignity and proper forensic procedures.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered with the assistance of international actors, gives Hamas a 72-hour window — starting from Friday — to return the hostages. A senior Hamas official confirmed to Agence France-Presse that the releases are scheduled to begin Monday.
President Donald Trump, who played a role in brokering the deal, said Friday he expects the hostages to be returned by Monday. Reports also suggest some releases could begin as early as Sunday.
Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday morning to meet with hostage families and address the Knesset before departing that same afternoon.
Hirsch added that Israel is pressing Hamas, with support from international forces, to ensure the full return of all deceased hostages so they can be laid to rest in Israel.
(With inputs from The Jerusalem Post)
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