Hamas is set to release Israeli hostages from Gaza ‘any moment now,’ US Vice President JD Vance announced Sunday morning.
The announcement follows the Trump administration’s successful mediation of a ceasefire in Gaza, bringing an end to a two-year conflict between Palestine and Israel.
The interim ceasefire started on Friday, with the scheduled release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages by Monday, in accordance with a 72-hour timeframe, among whom Israel believes 20 are still alive.
But on Sunday, Vance said the hostages could be released earlier than expected.
‘It really should be any moment now,’ the vice president told NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press.’
“The President of the United States is set to visit the Middle East to welcome the hostages on Monday morning, local time,” Vance stated further.
Trump is expected to fly to Tel Aviv and Egypt around 3pm EST today.
‘Which should be late, you know, Sunday night, or very early Monday morning here in the United States.’
Although he said the release is coming soon, Vance said it remains unclear ‘exactly’ when they will be set free but there is an ‘expectation.’
US Vice President JD Vance mentioned on Sunday morning that the Israeli hostages could be freed “any moment now.” (In the image: Ivanka Trump at a Tel Aviv rally on Saturday)
President Donald Trump’s administration brokered a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday
Signs of hostages and one’s that says ‘Peace Israel’ are seen outside on Sunday in Hostages Square
He remarked, “While the exact timing of their release cannot be predicted, we are fully optimistic—hence the President’s visit—that he will be welcoming the hostages early next week.”
Just the previous day, President Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, addressed a massive gathering of Israelis in Hostages Square, marking the ceasefire’s success in Gaza.
Ivanka, 43, stood alongside her husband Jared Kushner and lauded the long-lasting peace deal.
‘Tonight, we honor the strength of every family waiting, praying, and believing,’ Ivanka, who converted to Judaism in 2009, told the crowd. ‘We’re all praying for Monday and beyond.’
‘I am in awe of their strength and conviction in spite of such suffering… As we embark on the next chapter, which, God willing, after far too long, will be a lasting and enduring peace.’
Ivanka and Jared, who is also Jewish, said they were waiting to fully celebrate once the hostages are released.
Phase One of the ceasefire will also see the release of the deceased hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza.
Increased aid will also enter the Gaza Strip as Gazans move home.
The hostages were set to be released Monday, but on Sunday, the vice president (pictured October 1) said it was happening sooner
A huge billboard of Trump is seen in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday. The president is set to fly to Tel Aviv and Egypt around 3pm EST today
‘Each hostage is not only a moment of homecoming and relief, it’s a triumph of faith, of courage, and of our shared humanity,’ the mother-of-three told the huge Tel Aviv crowd Saturday evening.
It is believed to have been one of the biggest gatherings in Hostages Square.
Ivanka also brought a message to Israelis from her father.
‘He sees you, he hears you, he stands with you, always,’ she told the crowd to thunderous cheers.
The crowd broke out in ‘thank you, Trump’ chants as they held signs of the hostages and even one of the president’s official portraits.
‘We pray this week is one of healing for you all,’ she concluded her two-minute speech. ‘God bless you all for standing in solidarity together through this dark chapter.’
A woman is seen walking past a banner filled with faces of hostages who were kidnapped during the horrid October 7, 2023 attack following the ceasefire
Thousands of demonstrators are seen gathered near the National Palace to express solidarity with Palestinians during an anti-Israel rally in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sunday
Israel Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said she also believes the hostages will be released sooner.
‘I think [Hamas] might start even releasing them tonight. So, earlier than expected,’ she told Sky News. ‘We really hope to see them as quickly as possible.’
Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister, told the outlet that after their release from Hamas, the hostages will be transported to forces inside Israeli-controlled parts of Gaza.
They will then be taken to southern Israel.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
