Israel–Hamas Deal Timeline: When Will the Hostages Be Released?

Latest Updates: As part of the first phase of President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan, which stipulated that Hamas release all 48 hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire, Hamas released the 20 surviving hostages on October 13. The terror group still holds several hostages in Gaza and claims it has returned all of the bodies it was able to locate.

Background

After over two years of war following the October 7 massacre carried out by the Palestinian terror group Hamas, the long-awaited deal between Israel and Hamas marks the first phase of a potential end to the war in Gaza. Announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on October 8, the agreement is based on his 20-point peace framework and lays out a detailed sequence of steps: the release of Israeli hostages, a limited and conditional Israeli troop withdrawal, and the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian security prisoners.

Timeline of the Hostage Release and Deal Implementation

• September 29:
  • President Trump announced that Israel accepted the U.S. plan for peace and convened an international coalition to bring Hamas to the table.
• October 8:
  • President Trump announces Israel and Hamas have signed the first phase of a peace agreement, based on Trump’s 20-point plan.
• October 9:
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the security cabinet and approved the peace plan.
• October 10:
  • The IDF confirmed that they have withdrawn to agreed-upon deployment lines in the Gaza Strip on October 10 at noon, officially beginning a ceasefire and a 72-hour countdown for Hamas to release the hostages under the agreement.
    • The U.S. confirmed Israel's withdrawal.
    • The IDF withdrew mainly from populated areas such as Khan Younis and Gaza City, leaving the IDF in control of approximately 53% of the area. This includes a buffer zone along the entire Gaza border, as well as the Philadelphi Corridor—the Egypt-Gaza border area.
• Within 72 Hours of Withdrawal (October 13):
  • Hostage Release Timing: Israel expects hostage releases in Gaza to begin between 4–6 a.m. Monday, with Red Cross confirmation two hours in advance.
  • Hostage Transfer: Hamas is to release all 48 hostages by noon—starting with 20 believed to be alive—who will be handed to the Red Cross, then transferred to Israeli medical care and reunited with families.
  • Fallen Hostages: The remains of slain hostages will be returned to Israel with full military honors and forensic identification. An IDF engineering unit will inspect every coffin to ensure no explosives are hidden inside.
  • Prisoner Exchange: Israel will release 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life terms for murdering Israelis. Members of Hamas’s Nukhba Force and Marwan Barghouti will not be freed.
  • Humanitarian Aid: Deliveries of international humanitarian aid to Gaza will increase under expanded supervision.
  • Trump Visit: President Donald Trump arrived in Israel to meet former hostages and families and where he addressed the Knesset, and then traveled to Egypt for a summit endorsing his Gaza peace plan.

What's Next for the Israel-Hamas Deal?

• Negotiations in Egypt, involving U.S., Qatari, and Turkish mediators, will continue to coordinate further phases of the agreement and ensure compliance.
• Hamas remains unwilling to fully disarm; proposals to surrender “heavy” weapons while retaining small arms have been rejected by Israel.
• The U.S. plan envisions an international mechanism, with Palestinian participation, to govern Gaza post-conflict; Hamas has declined to accept international oversight.
• Significant questions also remain regarding the ability of the Palestinian leadership, particularly the Palestinian Authority, to effectively and significantly reform, create a pipeline for new and pragmatic leaders dedicated to peace, prosperity, and regional cooperation, especially with Israel.
• Major questions also remain regarding the ability of Israeli and Palestinian leaders to agree on a political horizon for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which recognizes the aspiration of the Palestinian people.
• Equally important is the Arab world’s openness and embrace of Israel as a normalized and accepted country within the Middle East. 

Who are the released living Israeli hostages now back on Israeli soil?

Elkana Bohbot - Kidnapped at the Nova festival; appeared in Hamas videos and remains a focal point of family appeals.
Matan Angrest - Taken from his tank near Nahal Oz.
Avinatan Or - Tech professional kidnapped with Noa Argamani (later freed); his parents lead calls for unity.
Yosef-Haim Ohana - Nova bartender taken after aiding the wounded; known for his compassion.
Alon Ohel -  Pianist kidnapped near Nova; his family’s music-based advocacy has raised international awareness.
Evyatar David - Nova festival attendee whose coerced video shocked the public and renewed calls for release.
Guy Gilboa-Dalal - Taken with his friend Evyatar; his story highlights bonds severed on Oct. 7.
Rom Braslavski - Nova security guard who helped others escape; his filmed pleas galvanized protests.
Gali Berman - One of twin brothers from Kfar Aza abducted and held separately, emblematic of a community’s loss.
Ziv Berman - One of twin brothers from Kfar Aza abducted  and held separately, emblematic of a community’s loss.
Eitan Mor - Nova security guard whose parents founded the Tikva Forum and remain prominent advocates.
Segev Kalfon - Taken from Nova; his family honors him through faith and daily prayers.
Nimrod Cohen - Soldier taken from a tank near Nahal Oz; his family’s activism turned a Rubik’s cube into a symbol of hope.
Maxim Herkin - Nova festival attendee and father whose family continues tireless campaigning for his return.
Eitan Horn - Kidnapped while visiting his brother in Nir Oz; his separation from a freed sibling has become widely noted.
Matan Zangauker -  Kidnapped from Nir Oz; his mother has become a high-profile campaigner demanding returns.
Bar Kupershtein - Nova security guard who stayed to help others and remains a symbol of sacrifice.
David Cunio - Taken with his wife and twin daughters (later freed); his captivity underscores families split by the attacks.
Ariel Cunio - Kidnapped from Nir Oz; remembered as joyful and fiercely loved by his family.
Omri Miran - Kidnapped from Nahal Oz; his absence is a lasting wound for his young children and community.