The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), working alongside the Ministry of Health and other governmental and security bodies, finalized preparations on Saturday for the arrival of the first hostages to be freed by Hamas. These initial releases from Gaza are anticipated on Sunday.
Special accommodations have been arranged for the returning hostages, featuring trailer homes equipped with comfortable furnishings like couches and plants, along with personal care items and fresh clothing. Outdoor spaces with patio furniture have also been set up to provide a welcoming environment. Medical supplies and personnel are on standby at these reception sites.
Following their arrival, the hostages will be transported to hospitals for medical evaluations and to reunite with their families. The IDF has urged the public to exercise patience and respect the privacy of the hostages and their families during this sensitive time. They have also requested that people rely on official announcements and avoid spreading unconfirmed information.
Held captive for nearly 500 days since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, the initial group of three hostages expected to be released on Sunday are believed to be women. The broader agreement stipulates the release of 33 hostages, including two Americans, in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel insists on receiving the list of hostages from Hamas before fully implementing the agreement, as the expected list from Qatar did not arrive on Saturday. He stressed that Israel holds Hamas solely accountable for upholding the agreement and will not tolerate any breaches. Netanyahu reiterated Israel's resilience and resolve in the face of adversity, highlighting the return of 157 abductees thus far, with 117 alive, and the anticipated return of 33 more in the current agreement.
Netanyahu acknowledged the contributions of both President Biden and President-elect Trump in facilitating the cease-fire, particularly President-elect Trump's engagement immediately after his election and his emphasis on the temporary nature of the cease-fire. He also expressed gratitude for their support of Israel's right to resume hostilities if negotiations falter and for President-elect Trump's decision to lift restrictions on arms supplies to Israel.
