The Israeli security cabinet is set to convene Thursday to approve a peace deal with Hamas, marking the start of a 96-hour countdown for the release of 48 hostages held for over two years. The agreement, negotiated with mediators including Egyptian, Qatari, Turkish, and U.S. officials, outlines a sequence of steps beginning with a 24-hour ceasefire, followed by 72 hours for Hamas to return all hostages, dead or alive, without public ceremonies.
Israeli Defense Forces will begin their withdrawal after the ceasefire but will remain in 53% of the Gaza Strip until the hostages are fully released. Additionally, the plan includes the release of 1,700 Gazans arrested post-October 2023 attacks and approximately 250 Palestinians serving life sentences, excluding members of Hamas’ Nukhba force and prominent commanders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a diplomatic and moral victory, crediting President Donald Trump for securing the deal after months of negotiations.
The release of living hostages is expected by Sunday, with the return of deceased hostages starting Monday. A comprehensive recovery plan, tailored to address the physical and mental trauma of the hostages, is in place to help them transition back to civilian life. Rooms at the Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv, and several other locations, have already been prepared to receive the hostages, including not only the medical and psychological infrastructure needed for the victims but also a home-like atmosphere for their stay.
The recovery plan has been divided into five stages based on professional experience and knowledge from previous abductees. It 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. The deal has been hailed as a critical turning point, with Netanyahu expressing gratitude for Trump’s leadership and partnership. However, there remains uncertainty over whether Hamas will be able to adhere to the timeline, particularly regarding the location of deceased bodies, some of which are allegedly buried under rubble. As preparations for the return of the hostages proceed, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the hostages as they re-enter civilian life.