Individuals stroll close to a U.S. flag hanging on a constructing, forward of an official go to by U.S. President Donald Trump, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Jerusalem, on Oct. 12, 2025.
Ronen Zvulun | Reuters
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held in Gaza for a 3rd day on Sunday forward of the anticipated launch of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and an deal with by U.S. President Donald Trump to Israel’s parliament.
Hundreds of Palestinians continued to journey north in direction of Gaza Metropolis, the main target of Israeli assaults over the previous two months, hopeful the ceasefire would convey an finish to the warfare.
“There’s numerous pleasure among the many individuals,” mentioned Abdou Abu Seada, including that the enjoyment was tempered by exhaustion after two years of warfare that has destroyed a lot of Gaza.
Israel’s hostages coordinator Gal Hirsch, in a letter to family members of the captives seen by Reuters, mentioned it was anticipated that hostages would begin being launched on Monday.
Hamas set to launch hostages Monday
Below the ceasefire settlement, Hamas is due by midday on Monday to launch the remaining hostages, taken captive on Oct. 7, 2023, when the group’s militants launched the shock assault on Israel that ignited the warfare. Hirsch on Thursday mentioned a job drive can be shaped to assist discover the stays of any useless hostages that Hamas couldn’t find. Twenty of the 48 hostages are identified to be alive.
Trump is because of arrive in Israel on Monday to handle the Knesset, the parliament, earlier than touring to Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt for a world leaders’ summit on ending the Gaza warfare.
Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner addressed a rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday, which many Israelis hoped can be the ultimate one urging the discharge of hostages and finish to the warfare. The US, together with Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, mediated what has been described as a primary part settlement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and the discharge of hostages by Hamas and prisoners and detainees by Israel.
“For 2 years we (have been) ready for this present day for this second… All of us really feel completely happy for the household, for the hostages, that lastly .. we’ll see them,” mentioned demonstrator Dalia Yosef, thanking Trump.
Israel to destroy underground tunnels constructed by Hamas
The Israel Jail Service mentioned it had transferred some Palestinian prisoners to different services forward of their anticipated launch. The Israeli Ministry of Justice has launched the names of 250 Palestinians, convicted of homicide and different severe crimes, who’re to be freed beneath the deal.
A drone view reveals Palestinians standing close to rubble following the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the realm, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza Metropolis, on Oct. 12, 2025.
Dawoud Abu Alkas | Reuters
The checklist doesn’t embody senior Hamas commanders that the Islamist militant group had sought to free, or outstanding figures from different factions Marwan Al Barghouti or Ahmed Saadat.
Nevertheless, that was not anticipated to derail the settlement.
Israel can also be to launch 1,700 Palestinians who’ve been detained in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, and 22 Palestinian minors, together with the our bodies of 360 militants.
Israeli Protection Minister Israel Katz mentioned that when the hostages have been returned, the navy would destroy underground tunnels in Gaza constructed by Hamas. Palestinians returning to northern Gaza have described widespread devastation. Rescue staff warned there may very well be unexploded ordnance and bombs within the space.
Amjad Al Shawa, who heads a Palestinian group coordinating with assist teams, estimated 300,000 tents have been wanted to quickly home 1.5 million displaced Gazans.
“We could not consider the destruction we now have seen,” Rami Mohammad-Ali, 37, mentioned by telephone after strolling 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) along with his son from Deir Al Balah to Gaza Metropolis.
“We’re joyful to return to Gaza (Metropolis) however on the similar time we now have bitter emotions in regards to the destruction,” he mentioned, describing seeing human stays scattered alongside roads.
