Hamas Reveals New Timeline for Hostage Release Process

Sources close to Hamas told Saudi channel Al-Sharq that tomorrow’s negotiations in Egypt will concentrate on the implementation mechanisms and criteria of the proposed hostage deal. According to those Hamas sources, key demands include a full ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal to positions held during the previous January deal (i.e., outside populated areas), and a suspension of military raids for 10 hours daily, rising to 12 hours on days when hostages are released.

Hamas reportedly plans to press for these measures to remain in effect for the duration of negotiations, which the sources say could last a week or longer. The talks will also address criteria for the release of Palestinian prisoners; Hamas officials say they are prioritizing seniority and age when compiling lists for release. The group has asked Israel to remove its control over that list, arguing this is “the only remaining opportunity” to secure releases and has pointed to figures such as Marwan Barghouti, who they say qualifies by seniority.

Hamas is also expected to demand that the initial phase of any deal be explicitly linked to later stages covering Gaza governance, security arrangements, disarmament, border crossings, reconstruction and related issues, which Israeli officials will probably reject. Observers say the success of the talks will depend heavily on the U.S. delegation’s involvement in securing and implementing President Trump’s plan.

A senior Hamas source told Asharq Al-Awsat, quoted by i24NEWS, that the remaining hostages in Gaza are expected to be released gradually over several days according to “conditions on the ground,” and that, unlike previous exchanges, there will be no official ceremonies accompanying the transfers. The source said hostages will be handed to the International Committee of the Red Cross for transfer to Israel.

The New York Times reported that Hamas leaders themselves doubt they can meet a 72-hour timetable for releasing all hostages, and Israeli officials are said to understand that timeline may be unrealistic. As of now there has been no official signal or public confirmation of the precise start time for the releases or the formal entry into force of any deal.

U.S. President Donald Trump warned in a CNN interview that there will be severe consequences if Hamas is not serious about the agreement, saying that failure to relinquish control would lead to “total destruction.” When he was asked about those who say Hamas effectively rejected Trump’s proposal by refusing to accept disarmament and setting conditions for a hostage release, Trump said, “We will find out. Only time will tell!!!”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met earlier with bereaved families and representatives of the Hostages’ Families’ forum, reiterated Israel will not move forward with stages of the plan until all hostages - living and dead - are returned to Israel. He also asserted that Israel, not Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, will be involved in the disarmament process and oversight of Gaza going forward.

Government hostage pointman Gal Hirsch explains that he met the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Israel Julien Lerisson this morning for a “preparatory meeting.”

Hirsch will head to Cairo as part of Israel’s hostage negotiating team as it conducts talks on ending the Gaza war and freeing the remaining hostages under the US plan.

Military and diplomatic officials continue to monitor developments closely as mediators prepare for talks in Cairo and other diplomatic channels remain engaged to coordinate the complex logistics of any hostage releases.