Hamas releases all hostages today: How the operation unfolds and its impact on Israel-Hamas relations

Final Gaza hostages returning home

On 7 October 2023, Hamas militants carried out a surprise assault on Israel, abducting 251 people and transporting them across the border into Gaza. Since then, some hostages have been freed, while many others perished under severe conditions.

After two years in captivity, the remaining hostages — 20 believed to be alive and 28 deceased — are now scheduled to return to Israel under U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, previously agreed upon.

Trump is travelling to Israel and will be present for the hostages’ release. An Israeli official told The Times of Israel that the U.S. president will address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and meet with the hostages’ families. The official added that a Friday phone call between Israeli and American teams indicated Trump’s visit “would be an in and out” trip.

Meanwhile, hundreds have gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, eagerly awaiting the return of the 48 hostages from Gaza.

Israel launches Operation ‘Returning Home’

The Israeli Cabinet, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved the first phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan on Friday, enabling the release of hostages held by Hamas. As part of the plan, Hamas will release all 20 living hostages and the bodies of those who died in captivity. A spokesperson for Israel’s Prime Minister’s office said it expects the living hostages to be handed over to the Red Cross “early Monday morning.”

On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the launch of Operation ‘Returning Home,’ aimed at bringing the hostages back from Hamas. In a post on X, the IDF stated: “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.”

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

Hundreds of Israelis have gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, carrying flags and posters of hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum encouraged the public to gather overnight, billing it a “yellow night” — a play on the Hebrew phrase for all-nighter — and plans to broadcast the hostages’ return on large screens.

Hostages expected to return home

Many hostages being released were abducted from the Nova Music Festival near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel on 7 October 2023. They include 24-year-old Evyatar David, pianist Alon Ohel, and 32-year-old Avintan Or. Others were taken from homes near the Gaza border, including Gali and Ziv Berman, 28, and brothers Ariel Cunio, 28, and David Cunio, 35, who was abducted with his wife Sharon and their toddler daughters; Sharon and the children were released in a brief truce in November 2023.

Among those set to be released are two Israeli conscripts — 22-year-old Matan Angrest and 20-year-old Nimrod Cohen — and four foreigners, three of whom were pronounced dead in absentia: a Tanzanian student and two Thai workers. The fate of Nepalese student Bipin Joshi remains unknown.

Hamas has said it will not be able to locate all the deceased hostages within the deadline, though the majority are expected to be returned. A Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the hostages will be released from three different locations in Gaza. The official, who wished to remain unnamed, said Hamas representatives would meet with the Red Cross Sunday night to agree on the release mechanism and that hostages had been moved to various sites in preparation.

Palestinian prisoners await release

Following the hostages’ transfer into Israeli territory, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners as agreed. Israel must free 250 prisoners serving life sentences, as well as 1,700 held in Gaza since 7 October 2023. A spokesperson from Israel’s prison services said the life-sentenced inmates had been moved to deportation complexes in Ofer and Ketziot prisons on Saturday. According to Israel, 142 prisoners will be deported, with the remainder returning to the West Bank or East Jerusalem.

A long road to recovery

An IDF official said the handover will follow the same procedure as earlier operations: the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will transfer hostages to an IDF squad, who will take them to Re’im military base. From there, families will travel with them by helicopter to hospitals for further treatment.

Israeli hospitals have prepared safe rooms and rehabilitation programmes. According to Gal Hirsch, coordinator for Hostages and Missing Persons: “There will be an orderly process of medical checks, assessment of their condition and entry into a rehabilitation program with all the experts.”

At the Rabin Medical Center, hostages will receive gift baskets including a teddy, blanket, slippers and phone charger. Director of Nursing Dr Michal Steinman told Sky News: “Our research says each one of us has a child inside. We need something to pet and feel soft, and reassure them after the lack of senses for such a long time.”

Clinical psychologists have warned that hostages may face survivor’s guilt, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, nightmares and flashbacks. Dr Steinman also noted some may need to relearn eating after prolonged starvation: “We have to be extremely careful because we are wary of overfeeding.”

Trump in Israel

Trump will meet hostages’ families and speak at the Knesset. Vice President JD Vance said he is likely to meet newly freed hostages. Speaking to reporters while boarding Air Force One, Trump declared: “The war is over. Okay? You understand that?” He added: “I think it’s going to hold. I think people are tired of it, it’s been centuries.”

Key U.S. officials travelling with Trump include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA chief John Ratcliffe, and top military officer Dan Caine. AFP reported that Israel President Isaac Herzog will present Trump with the country’s highest civilian award for his role in securing hostages’ release. Herzog said in a statement: “Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home but has also laid the foundations for a new era in the Middle East built on security, cooperation, and genuine hope for a peaceful future.”

From Israel, Trump will travel to Egypt to co-chair a “peace summit” with regional and international leaders alongside President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.

Significance of the moment

The release of hostages is a critical juncture in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since 7 October 2023, over 67,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with vast destruction and 90 per cent of Gaza’s two million residents displaced. The hostages’ return offers hope for an end to fighting and reconstruction, though significant obstacles remain in securing lasting peace.