In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Red Cross vehicles began moving into central Gaza on Monday morning ahead of the planned release of 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The operation marks a key step under the recently brokered peace and prisoner exchange deal, with releases scheduled to commence after 8 a.m. local time.

Hostage release coordinated under Red Cross supervision

According to Saudi and Israeli media reports, Hamas has released the list of 20 hostages whose freedom was negotiated as part of the multi-stage agreement between Israel and Hamas. Sources told A-Sharq News that the handover will begin after 8 a.m., under the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

As per The Times of Israel, the list includes the same 20 hostages whose names were previously shared with Israeli authorities. These are all confirmed living captives set to be released as part of the humanitarian exchange deal. Notably, the list does not include kidnapped Israeli soldier Tamir Nimrodi or Nepali national Bipin Joshi, whose fates remain unclear.

Israel prepares for hostages’ return

Ahead of the return of the freed hostages, Magen David Adom (MDA) — Israel’s national emergency medical and ambulance service — has mobilised teams to provide medical and psychological support.
MDA officials said that EMTs and paramedics have been deployed in ambulances and mobile intensive care units to hospitals in central Israel to assist the hostages and their families upon arrival.

“MDA teams have been fully briefed and are prepared to assist wherever needed,” an official statement said. Crowds have begun gathering at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and outside the Re’im military base near Gaza, where relatives await the return of their loved ones.

Operation ‘Returning Home’ underway

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday formally launched Operation ‘Returning Home’, aimed at securing the release and safe repatriation of hostages from Hamas captivity.
In a statement on social media platform X, the IDF said:

“The IDF is now launching Operation ‘Returning Home’ to return our hostages from Hamas captivity. In a few hours we will all be reunited, one people, embraced and united.”

Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Chief of the General Staff, described the operation as a “significant achievement” following years of military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas.
“The military pressure we applied over the past two years, together with the complementary diplomatic measures, constitute a victory over Hamas,” Zamir said. He added that Israel would continue ensuring Gaza “no longer poses a threat to the state and its civilians.”

Peace ceremony to be held in Egypt

In a symbolic move marking the de-escalation of hostilities, a historic Gaza peace ceremony is scheduled for Monday afternoon in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
The event is expected to feature regional leaders and international mediators who facilitated the agreement, including representatives from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.

The agreement, reportedly shaped under a framework presented by former US President Donald Trump, includes a large-scale prisoner exchange and humanitarian provisions. Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and permit the immediate delivery of full-scale humanitarian aid to Gaza, where prolonged conflict has led to acute food and medical shortages.

Humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts to follow

Humanitarian agencies have welcomed the inclusion of full aid access in the deal, noting that famine and displacement have worsened conditions in northern and central Gaza. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that over 1.2 million people in Gaza face severe food insecurity.

Officials said the first batch of aid trucks, carrying food, medical supplies, and fuel, are expected to cross the Rafah border within hours of the hostages’ release.

A cautiously hopeful moment

As anticipation builds in Israel, families of the hostages have gathered in central Tel Aviv, waving flags and holding photographs of their loved ones. Emotional scenes unfolded as volunteers distributed flowers and water, with chants calling for the safe return of all remaining captives.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel is “ready to receive its hostages immediately” and remains committed to ensuring their safe passage. “This is a day of unity for Israel,” he said, adding that the government would continue efforts to account for those still unreturned.

While the atmosphere is cautiously optimistic, officials have warned that security concerns remain high, and coordination between the IDF, Red Cross, and Egyptian mediators will be crucial to ensure the process concludes peacefully.