Israel is preparing for the release of about 2,000 Palestinian detainees and all 20 living hostages being held in Gaza. The release is part of a ceasefire deal that could end the two-year war in Gaza. Israeli authorities will also receive the remaining 48 hostages, who will be taken to military bases or hospitals.
The US president, Donald Trump, announced that the “war is over” and plans to visit Jerusalem on Monday to meet with families of the hostages. He will then attend a peace summit in Egypt attended by leaders from over 20 countries aimed at finalizing a permanent truce in Gaza.
About 1,700 Palestinian detainees were due to be released to Gaza or exiled to neighboring countries, while 250 would be released to the West Bank or East Jerusalem. The US has deployed up to 200 troops in Israel to help establish a taskforce to assist with stabilization efforts in Gaza.
Humanitarian groups are gearing up to send aid into Gaza, which had been severely restricted due to an Israeli siege. The UN said that roads were being cleared and repaired on Sunday to facilitate future aid deliveries, restoring aid to about pre-war levels.
The release of the hostages and detainees is a crucial step towards ending the war in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians and widespread destruction.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/12/israel-and-gaza-prepare-for-release-of-hostages-and-prisoners