Hostage Release From Gaza may Occur Before monday,Israeli Officials Say
Jerusalem - There is increasing hope in Israel that hostages held by Hamas may begin to be released before the agreed-upon 72-hour deadline of Monday,according to reports Friday evening from Channel 12 News. The potential for an earlier release follows the Israel Defense Forces’ completion of its commitments under the initial phase of a plan to secure the hostages’ freedom and pause the conflict.
The accelerated timeline stems from the IDF’s swift withdrawal from Gaza City by noon on Friday, formally initiating the ceasefire as outlined in the agreement-a plan initially proposed by US President Donald Trump. With Israel fulfilling its obligations, the focus now shifts to Hamas’ adherence to the deal. Families of the hostages have been informed of the possibility of a release as early as Sunday, or even sooner.
Israeli officials are preparing for the release to occur in a single phase, and medical facilities are bracing for the returnees’ arrival. Both Soroka and Barzilai Medical Centers have been placed on emergency alert, anticipating potential medical needs among the hostages. Kan 11 News reported that preparations are underway to handle the influx of released individuals.