Share this @internewscast.com
The official countdown to the return of 48 hostages held by Hamas for over two years and an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza will start on Thursday morning. This follows a meeting by the Israeli security cabinet and government to endorse the signed agreement.
Once the government gives the nod to the terms negotiated by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the U.S., a ceasefire will begin 24 hours later.
Hamas has 72 hours to release the 20 hostages still believed to be alive, in addition to the 28 who have died, “in one swooping action without public ceremonies,” according to reports from Israeli news agency TPS-IL.
The photo shows families in Washington receiving news of President Trump’s announcement of an agreement to bring all the hostages home on October 8, 2025. (Photo by Liri Agami and Alon Kaplun)
Some hostages might be released as soon as Saturday, with preparations underway for those who have endured 733 days under harsh conditions, including hunger, torture, and lack of medical care.
“Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point,” he added. “I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.”
All living hostages are expected to be returned to Israel by Sunday and the return of the deceased will begin on Monday.
A trauma-oriented plan has reportedly been devised to help transition the hostages from their confinement, and officials are preparing for the fact that the physical and mental state of the hostages in this exchange could be even more precarious and complex than during previous returns.
Rooms at the Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv, and several other locations, have already been prepared to receive the hostages and include not only the medical and psychological infrastructure needed for the victims, but full privacy and a home-like atmosphere for their stay.
Rooms have been prepared to receive the 20 hostages held by Hamas for more than 2 years at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center on Oct. 9, 2025. ( Miri Gatnyo, spokesperson for Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center)
The recovery plan for the hostages has been broken up into five stages based on professional experience and knowledge acquired from previous abductees, and includes preliminary preparations to receive the victims, the first 24-hour period they are in the hospital following their release, the necessary amount of time required for their hospital stay based on an individual’s needs, a transition phase lasting up to a month, and long-term support, according to details reported by TPS-IL.
Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday.
