Israel announced that all living hostages in the Gaza Strip are expected to be freed on Monday. This development is part of the ongoing ceasefire agreement with Hamas. As Palestinians awaited increased humanitarian aid, U.S. President Donald Trump’s anticipated visit added urgency to the situation.
Hostage Release Plans
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian confirmed that 20 living hostages would be released simultaneously. They will be transported to the Red Cross in six to eight vehicles and then taken to a military base for reunification with families or immediate medical care. In exchange, Israel plans to release around 2,000 Palestinian detainees.
- Hostages freed: 20
- Palestinian detainees released: 2,000
- Deceased hostages: 28
Searching for Deceased Hostages
After the release, an international task force will initiate efforts to locate deceased hostages not returned within 72 hours. Israeli authorities noted that some bodies may be buried under rubble, complicating recovery efforts.
Humanitarian Aid Increases
As the hostage release approaches, the Israeli military indicated that humanitarian aid entering Gaza would be ramped up. It is expected that around 600 trucks per day will deliver necessary supplies to the war-torn region.
Support from Egypt has also materialized, with 400 aid trucks crossing into Gaza, carrying medical supplies and food. The coordination of these efforts aims to mitigate the hunger crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict.
- Trucks entering Gaza daily: 600
- Egyptian aid trucks: 400
- UN aid ready for entry: 170,000 tonnes
Impact of the Conflict
The ongoing conflict has led to significant loss of life. An estimated 1,200 people were killed in the initial Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Since then, over 67,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza due to the subsequent Israeli military actions. Furthermore, vast destruction has displaced about 90% of Gaza’s two million residents.
Preparing for Trump’s Visit
President Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday, where he will meet the families of the hostages and address the Knesset. His visit aligns with the planned release of hostages and further discussions on peace in the region.
Future of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, previously the main food supplier in the region, faces uncertainty. Following the ceasefire, distribution sites have been dismantled, although the foundation plans to continue its operations.
As the ceasefire holds, both Israeli and Palestinian populations remain hopeful. However, critical issues concerning Gaza’s governance and the status of Hamas linger, raising questions about the region’s future stability.
