Release of Gaza hostages expected to begin Sunday – Israel PM office

The release of hostages held in Gaza since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel is expected to begin on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Friday.

“Subject to the approval of the cabinet and the government and the implementation of the agreement, the release of the hostages can proceed according to the planned framework, with the hostages expected to be released as early as Sunday,” the office said in a statement.

Two sources close to Hamas told AFP that the first group of hostages to be released consists of three Israeli women soldiers.

“They are expected to be released on Sunday evening,” one source said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.

“The Red Cross, along with Egyptian and Qatari teams, will receive the Israeli prisoners (hostages),” he said.

“They will then be transported to Egypt, where they will be handed over to the Israeli side present there to complete the handover and conduct necessary medical examinations.”

“Afterward, they will be transported directly to Israel. (Israel) is then expected to release the first group of Palestinian prisoners, including several with high sentences,” the source added.