The cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas is set to go into effect Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. local time in Israel, which is 1:30 a.m. ET. The first expected release under this agreement will be three female hostages.
As of Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, Israel was still awaiting the list of hostages to be released first.
Israel’s Cabinet authorized the deal early Saturday morning for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages captured after Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Phase One of the agreement commences on Sunday with the release of the initial three hostages, extending for 42 days.
ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES WILL RECEIVE HOSTAGES SUNDAY WITH EQUIPPED CAMPER TRAILERS AND COMFORTING SUPPLIES
After the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas goes into effect Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. local time, which is 1:30 a.m. ET, three female hostages are the first expected to be released. (Maya Alleruzzo/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
During the 42-day period, a total of 33 hostages will be released, with priority given to children, women, female soldiers, individuals over 50, and sick or injured men. Additionally, more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be returned to Gaza.
While most Israeli hostages are believed to be alive, their identities will only be disclosed closer to their release dates.
Four hostages are scheduled for release on day seven, followed by three more on day 14, with a focus on female hostages. Another three hostages each will be released on days 28 and 35.
Between days 35 and 42, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held in Gaza since 2014 and 2015, will be released.
ISRAEL-HAMAS CEASE-FIRE: ISRAELI GOVERNMENT APPROVES DEAL SIGNED BY NEGOTIATORS
On the final week of Phase One, 12 hostages will be set free.
Hundreds of people gathered in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday to demand the immediate return of hostages to their homes after the ceasefire came into effect. (Nir Keidar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
By the 16th day of Phase One, negotiations will commence for Phase Two, aiming to release all remaining Israeli hostages, including young men, soldiers, and fallen soldiers.
Phase Two is expected to begin on day 43 and continue for another 42 days.
The Israeli government has determined that the Israel Defense Force will stay in Gaza until all hostages are freed, after which they will move to a security zone along the Gaza border to ensure residents’ safety.
Netanyahu and his Cabinet discuss the hostages for a cease-fire deal at the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem on Friday. (Courtesy: GPO)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The plan represents a new defense strategy and is still being finalized under the IDF’s Southern Command.
