JERUSALEM, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is ready to receive hostages "immediately," amid reports that Hamas may release them later in the day under certain conditions.
Netanyahu's office said the prime minister had spoken with Gal Hirsch, Israel's coordinator for hostages and missing persons, about preparations for their return. An Israeli official told Kan public broadcaster that the army expects the hostages to arrive before Monday morning.
"The IDF has completed its preparations for the release of the hostages and assesses that all of them will be released before Trump's arrival," the official said.
Media reports suggested that Hamas has told mediators it is prepared to release all 20 living hostages as early as Sunday, ahead of a Monday deadline under the ceasefire agreement, if Israel frees at least two of seven high-profile Palestinian prisoners previously removed from the release list. It is unclear whether Israel will accept the condition.
Under the ceasefire deal, Hamas will release 20 living and 28 deceased hostages held in Gaza since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023. In exchange, Israel will free roughly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and allow increased humanitarian aid into the enclave, devastated by Israeli strikes. ■