Trump expecting to greet freed Israeli hostages on Monday, Vance says
In his summary of the repatriation of hostages kidnapped by Hamas during the terrorist attack that killed nearly 1,200 people, Bedrosian said the freed captives would then be transferred to Israeli-controlled territory in Gaza and then to the Re’im base in southern Israel, where they would receive medical attention and be reunited with their families.
“During this time, the entire nation of Israel will embrace them and help them get back on their feet,” she said, adding Israeli forces were also ready to receive the bodies of the 28 hostages who died while in captivity, and who would be given a short ceremony in Gaza, where their coffins would be draped with flags.
Aid trucks were seen entering Gaza on Sunday to distribute food and supplies to Palestinians.Credit: Getty Images
Following the ceasefire declaration on Friday, Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Agence France-Presse that the talks would begin on Monday morning “as agreed”. But Vance questioned that timeline when he was asked on NBC “exactly” when the hostages would be released.
“It could really happen at any time,” Vance said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement released Sunday morning that Israel was “ready and prepared to immediately take all of our hostages.”
The timing of the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel under the agreement has not yet been announced. These include 1,700 people captured from Gaza during the war and held without charge, as well as 250 people serving life sentences.
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Bedrosyan said Palestinian detainees would be released “when Israel confirms that all our hostages, who are scheduled to be released tomorrow, have crossed the Israeli border.”
On the third day of the ceasefire, images from The Associated Press showed dozens of trucks crossing from the Egyptian side of Rafah into the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian Red Crescent said they were carrying medical supplies, tents, blankets, food and fuel.
The trucks were expected to go to the inspection area at the Kerem Shalom crossing to be checked by Israeli troops.
World Food Program spokesman Abeer Etifa said workers opened roads in Gaza on Sunday to facilitate deliveries.
As the discussion turned to strengthening peace, Vance told NBC that 200 US troops were in the region to monitor ceasefire conditions and help ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, but no American soldiers would be sent to Gaza.
More to come
via Associated Press
