Hamas is predicted to launch all hostages nonetheless in captivity as a part of a ceasefire deal.
The 20 living captives, who’re all males, have been held for greater than two years after they had been amongst 251 individuals kidnapped when Hamas-led militants launched a shock assault on Israel on 7 October 2023.
Gaza newest: Don’t make a ‘sick display’ of hostages, Hamas warned
The our bodies of one other 28 hostages who had been killed in captivity are additionally anticipated to be returned to Israel.
Actual particulars of the handover are nonetheless unclear however that is what we all know.
The hostages anticipated to be freed
When is the deadline?
Hamas have till 10am UK time to launch the hostages as a part of Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
What time will they really be freed?
There have been blended messages concerning the actual timings and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned Israel was able to “instantly” obtain the captives.
US vice-president JD Vance mentioned earlier on Sunday the hostages could be launched “any second now”.
However essentially the most concrete assertion we have heard comes from Israeli authorities spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian, who mentioned they are going to be launched “early Monday morning”.
The Occasions of Israel has reported that may very well be as early as 2am UK time.
Hamas has beforehand indicated it will take extra time at hand over the our bodies of the hostages who’ve died to Israel.
Preparations for hostage returns
How will the handover work?
Israeli authorities spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian mentioned the 20 hostages are anticipated to be launched collectively at one time to the Purple Cross.
She mentioned they are going to be taken in “six to eight” autos with out “any sick shows by Hamas”, referring to the earlier launch ceremonies staged by the militant group.
The hostages will then be pushed to forces inside Israel-controlled components of Gaza earlier than they’re transferred to southern Israel, the place they’ll reunite with their households.
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How withdrawal of Israeli troops could work
“Israel is prepared if a dwelling hostage requires any pressing medical consideration, they are going to be dropped at a medical facility instantly,” she mentioned.
She mentioned the “complete nation of Israel” will embrace these killed in captivity and “guarantee correct Jewish burials”.
The US president is predicted to reach in Israel on Monday morning and can meet with households of the hostages, in accordance with a schedule launched by the White Home.
Inside medical centre able to obtain hostages
The place will they spend their first nights of freedom?
Photos launched by the Israeli authorities present the sunshine ethereal rooms the place the hostages will likely be welcomed.
The comfy chairs, huge tv, and bedrooms with clear sheets and baskets stuffed with toiletries will likely be a world away from the darkish Hamas tunnels the place they’ve been saved in Gaza for the previous 734 days.
Pic: IDF
Pic: IDF
Sky Information was given special access to one of many groups within the Rabin Medical Centre in Petah Tikva, a metropolis northeast of Tel Aviv, which is getting ready to obtain them.
Director of Nursing Dr Michal Steinman mentioned the hostages will likely be given their very own non-public room, the place a present basket full of considerate objects resembling a teddy, a blanket, slippers and a cellphone charger awaits them.
