'They’re all coming back on Monday': Trump promises Israeli hostages in Gaza will be released soon

Hostages in Gaza returning Monday

US President Donald Trump on Thursday spoke with the families of Israeli hostages, assuring them that those held in Gaza would be released on Monday.

“The hostages will come back, they’re all coming back on Monday," he told the families.

A video released by the White House showed relatives of multiple hostages listening intently as Trump spoke over the phone. One family member told the President he had “the best crowd in the world," while others shouted, “thank you" and “you did it".

“Mr President, we believe in you. We know you’ve done so much for us over the past, since you became the President, even before that," one family member said.

Trump responded warmly, saying, “Thank you so much, everybody".

All hostages are returning home. pic.twitter.com/yQin9H0Fyi

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 9, 2025

Earlier, speaking to Fox News, the President indicated that the hostages held in Gaza would likely be released on Monday, following his announcement of an agreement between Israel and Hamas over the first phase of a ceasefire.

Hamas will release all 20 living hostages as part of a newly signed peace deal with Israel, the White House announced on Wednesday, following confirmation from President Donald Trump that the first phase of the agreement to end the Gaza war has been finalised.

According to the Associated Press, the hostages will be exchanged for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners within 72 hours of the deal’s implementation. AP sources said the releases are expected to begin this weekend as Israeli forces withdraw from the majority of Gaza.

The White House reiterated the development on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “ALL hostages to be released very soon!”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will convene the government to ratify the agreement and secure the hostages’ return. In a phone call with Trump, Netanyahu expressed gratitude for his mediation and invited him to address the Knesset. He also shared on X: “With the approval of the first phase of the plan, all our hostages will be brought home. This is a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory for the State of Israel… Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point. I thank President Trump for his leadership, his partnership, and his unwavering commitment to the safety of Israel and the freedom of our hostages.”