Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages as Israel Claims Victory

Israel declared victory on Sunday in its war with Hamas as the militant group prepared to release its surviving hostages. This critical development forms a key step in Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, unfolding just hours before the US president hosts a major peace summit in Egypt.

Under the proposed US roadmap, Hamas must first hand over the hostages. Israel will then begin releasing approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees in a coordinated exchange.

Negotiators worked late into Sunday finalizing arrangements. Two Hamas sources confirmed the group is insisting that Israel include seven senior Palestinian leaders on the prisoner release list.

A Landmark Hostage Release

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed confidence ahead of the anticipated transfer. “This is an emotional evening, an evening of tears, an evening of joy, because tomorrow our children will return to our borders,” he stated.

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He celebrated what he called “tremendous victories” but cautioned that the fight is not over. Israel’s army chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, also claimed a decisive victory over Hamas, citing sustained military and diplomatic pressure.

A spokeswoman for Netanyahu’s office confirmed the hostage release will begin early Monday. Israel expects all 20 of its living hostages to be released together in a single event. The release of Palestinian prisoners will commence only after Israel confirms all hostages have crossed the border.

Path to a Major Summit

Following the expected release, Donald Trump will arrive in Israel. He will address the Israeli parliament before traveling to Egypt. In the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will chair a summit with leaders from more than 20 countries.

The Egyptian presidency said the meeting aims to end the war in Gaza and promote regional stability. Confirmed attendees include UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Officials confirmed that neither Israeli nor Hamas officials will be present.

The agreement stipulates that Hamas release the remaining 47 hostages—both living and deceased—from the October 7, 2023, attack. The group is also expected to hand over the remains of a soldier killed in a 2014 conflict. In exchange, Israel will free 250 security detainees and about 1,700 individuals detained in Gaza during the recent war.

Humanitarian Situation and Future Challenges

The third day of the ceasefire saw aid trucks enter Gaza, but distribution was chaotic. In Khan Yunis, desperate residents ransacked shipments, with food parcels trampled in scuffles. Bystanders expressed deep distrust that negotiations would lead to a lasting peace, with many stockpiling food fearing a return to war.

Displaced residents began returning to devastated homes, finding entire neighborhoods erased. Meanwhile, in Israel, families of hostages like Einav Zangauker described their immense emotional turmoil as they await reunions.

Looking ahead, mediators face the complex task of securing a long-term solution. A source close to Hamas stated the group will not participate in post-war governance but agreed to a long-term truce. It will not lay down its weapons, reserving the right to respond to any Israeli attack on Gaza.

The Trump plan proposes a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, to be replaced by a multinational force coordinated from a US-led command centre in Israel. The conflict has resulted in a devastating toll, with the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reporting at least 67,806 deaths.