According to a report by Reuters, the release of Israeli hostages could take place as early as Saturday — or by Monday at the latest — under the first phase of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
The news follows confirmation from multiple diplomatic sources that logistical and security preparations for the exchange are already underway, with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye coordinating closely between Israeli and Hamas representatives.
The anticipated release represents one of the most critical components of the newly signed ceasefire agreement, which aims to end months of bloodshed and pave the way toward a lasting peace settlement in Gaza. The process, overseen by U.S. and regional guarantors, includes strict verification and monitoring measures to ensure compliance by all sides.
Israeli defense officials have indicated that military units in Gaza have begun repositioning in accordance with the agreement’s phased implementation, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shift focus toward supporting the humanitarian and hostage-return operations.
International leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, have expressed optimism following the peace deal’s announcement, praising the coordinated diplomacy that led to the breakthrough.
If successfully completed, the hostage release will mark the first tangible step toward restoring calm after nearly a year of hostilities, signaling what many hope will be the beginning of a broader stabilization effort in the region.
