The release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip is anticipated to begin shortly, with US Vice President JD Vance stating on Sunday that the event could happen at “any moment now.” This diplomatic breakthrough comes as part of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
While Vice President Vance conveyed the high expectation for an immediate release during an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” an Israeli government spokesperson indicated that the transfer of captives held in Gaza is expected to commence early Monday morning.
The Prisoner Exchange Details
Hamas is reportedly poised to release the remaining captives, 20 of whom Israeli intelligence believes are still alive. In return, the militant group will receive nearly 2,000 prisoners currently held in Israeli jails.
The October 7 attack on Israel initiated the current conflict, resulting in 251 hostages being seized and the deaths of 1,219 people, most of whom were civilians. The retaliatory campaign by Israel in Gaza has since killed at least 67,682 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
Broader Ceasefire and Future of Gaza
The exchange is part of a larger, multifaceted ceasefire agreement. The initial stage involves the release of the final 48 hostages held by Hamas, the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s major cities.
Adding weight to the diplomatic success, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Israel and Egypt to celebrate the newly brokered ceasefire and hostage deal.
Looking ahead, the long-term plan for the region—referred to as the Trump plan—involves a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza’s urban centers. A multi-national force, managed by a US-led command centre in Israel, is intended to take over security. This force is expected to be composed of personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Palestinians are now beginning to find the Gaza city area in ruins, with Hamas warning that tough post-ceasefire negotiations lie ahead.