TEL AVIV (dpa): Israel is prepared to immediately receive hostages released by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.
His office said Netanyahu had discussed the matter with the government's hostage affairs coordinator, Gal Hirsch.
"Israel is prepared and ready to immediately receive all of our hostages," the statement said.
A 72-hour deadline for the release of hostages under US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan expires Monday at noon (0900 GMT).
Hamas sources have indicated that the group plans to hand over all surviving, and if possible deceased, hostages by 6 am on Monday.
It remains unclear whether Netanyahu's statement implied a release could take place as early as Sunday. Israeli broadcaster N12 reported that the handover was expected overnight into Monday.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas had informed Israel through Arab mediators that it had gathered 20 living hostages and was ready to release them. This was said to be the first confirmation from Hamas that 20 of the hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023 massacre are still alive.
Israeli authorities say 48 hostages, living and dead, remain in Gaza.
The return will be coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross without a public ceremony or media presence.
Following meetings with relatives and initial medical checks at the Re’im military camp near the Gaza Strip, the released hostages are expected to be flown to hospitals for further care. - dpa
