Tel Aviv [Israel]: The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday that preparations are underway to implement the hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, following the approval of the ceasefire deal by the Israeli security cabinet on Friday.
The deal is scheduled to take effect on Sunday, January 19, at 8:30 AM local time, the IDF stated.
In a post on X, the IDF confirmed that troops are carrying out operational procedures in the region in alignment with the terms of the agreement. The military is also preparing to receive the hostages upon their release from Hamas captivity and is ensuring they receive the necessary physical and psychological support.
The IDF is preparing to implement the agreement for the return of the hostages that was approved by the political echelon overnight (Saturday). The agreement will take effect on Sunday, January 19th, at 08:30, and as part of it, IDF troops will implement the operational…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 18, 2025
“The IDF is preparing to implement the agreement for the return of the hostages that was approved by the political echelon overnight (Saturday). The agreement will take effect on Sunday, January 19th, at 08:30, and as part of it, IDF troops will implement the operational procedures in the field in accordance with the set agreements. The IDF has been preparing to receive the hostages after their release from Hamas captivity and is operating to provide suitable physical and psychological support, with careful attention to every detail,” the IDF stated.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of all hostages while maintaining the security of Israeli citizens, particularly those in communities near Gaza.
“Alongside the agreement and our commitment to bringing home all the hostages, the IDF will continue to operate in order to ensure the security of all Israeli citizens, particularly those in communities near Gaza,” the statement added.
On Friday, the Israeli security cabinet approved the hostage release-ceasefire deal with Hamas and recommended it to the government. The government subsequently approved the agreement in a 24-8 vote during the early hours of Saturday.
The agreement marks the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza and includes the release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. As part of the deal, 33 hostages are set to be released initially.
While Israel has not been informed about the status of all 33 individuals, it expects the majority to be alive. A complete status report is expected seven days into the ceasefire. The identities of those set to return will be provided 24 hours before each release, according to the Times of Israel.
The deal was finalized in Doha on Friday after negotiations between Israeli and Hamas representatives, mediated by the United States and Qatar. The agreement aims to end the 15-month conflict in Gaza.
The hostilities began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 civilians and taking more than 250 hostages. Around 100 individuals remain in captivity. In response, Israel launched a large-scale counter-offensive targeting Hamas units in Gaza, which has faced criticism from humanitarian groups over civilian casualties.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 45,000 people, including many women and children, have lost their lives since the conflict began. Further updates are awaited as the agreement takes effect.