Hostage Return Imminent: IDF Expects Live Captives to Arrive in Morning, Deceased in Afternoon

As the time for the long-awaited return of hostages draws near, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is actively managing expectations and preparing for numerous scenarios, including potential disruptions from Hamas. While Hamas has been vague about the exact timing, the IDF anticipates the return of the living hostages to commence between 8:00 and 9:00 AM the following morning.

According to current assessments, the transfer will take place from three different locations within the Gaza Strip, possibly including Gaza City, Khan Younis, and the Central Camps region. The IDF stated it is ready to mobilize with just one hour notice, beginning as early as 6:00 AM.

Immediate Medical Concerns and Protocols

The security establishment is actively preparing for the possibility that some hostages may require immediate medical attention. Initial assessments suggested that the condition of some captives might necessitate rapid evacuation to hospitals immediately upon their handover by the Red Cross.

However, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has pushed back against these claims, issuing a statement denying that it had provided or received any new information regarding the medical status of the hostages. "Contrary to reports, we did not receive or pass on information regarding the medical condition of the hostages," the ICRC stated.

Logistically, the IDF is ready to open its situation rooms (Hamalim) starting at 6:30 AM. Families of the returned hostages are expected to gather at the Re′im base at 7:30 AM, where they will later be reunited with their loved ones. Security officials estimate that the Red Cross will initially transfer six to eight hostages, with the remainder following around 9:00–10:00 AM. Israel currently acknowledges 20 living hostages are set for this initial release.

Return of the Deceased and Hamas Provocations

The bodies of the murdered hostages are expected to be returned later in the day, likely during the afternoon hours. It remains uncertain how many of the 28 deceased captives will be returned immediately, with preparations being made for their release to occur over several days.

The protocol for the return of the deceased is highly sensitive. The Red Cross will receive the caskets from Hamas and transfer them to an IDF force inside the Strip, where they will be draped with the Israeli flag. A military ceremony will take place, including an honour guard and a prayer from a military rabbi, before the bodies are transported to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for identification.

Israeli officials have made it clear that Hamas is obligated to return all the deceased. Senior officials told N12 that Israel's "expectations are clear. Hamas is obliged and the mediating countries are guarantors of sharing information, transferring data, and operating in the field to locate the deceased and return them to Israel." If the bodies are not returned within the allotted time, special teams are expected to enter the Gaza Strip to assist in their location.

The IDF is also on alert for potential Hamas provocations. These could include allowing the hostages to make last-minute phone calls to their families overnight or filming them during the handover process the next day.