Israel Launches Operation 'Returning Home': A Comprehensive Guide to the Hostage Release Agreement

Palestinians pass by rubble following Israeli forces' withdrawal, after Israel-Hamas agreed on ceasefire.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday the commencement of Operation "Returning Home," designed to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

In a statement shared on X, the IDF declared, "The IDF is now launching Operation 'Returning Home' to return our hostages from Hamas captivity. In a few hours we will all be reunited, one people, embraced and united."

Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, described the operation as a significant milestone for Israel following extended military and diplomatic endeavors.

"The military pressure we applied over the past two years, together with the complementary diplomatic measures, constitute a victory over Hamas," stated Zamir. He further mentioned that Israel would persist in its efforts to ensure the Gaza Strip no longer presents a threat to the state and its civilians.

As these initiatives continue, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel stands ready to receive its hostages "immediately," indicating the government's readiness to act promptly in alignment with the military's new operation.

According to Al Jazeera, the Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in at least 67,806 fatalities and 170,066 injuries since October 2023. During the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, 1,139 individuals were killed in Israel, with approximately 200 taken captive.

The Prime Minister's Office reported that Netanyahu conferred with Israel's Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, Brigadier-General (Res.) Gal Hirsch, regarding recent developments.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office stated, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has just spoken with Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch. Prime Minister Netanyahu: 'Israel is prepared and ready to immediately receive all of our hostages.'"

Under the agreement facilitated by US President Donald Trump, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages and permit the immediate provision of "full aid" to Gaza, which has experienced severe food shortages and famine in certain areas, as reported by CBS News.

Hours before the anticipated release of hostages from Gaza under the US-brokered ceasefire agreement, Israel's President Isaac Herzog addressed gatherings at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, describing the deal as "a historic moment" with potential to transform the Middle East despite its challenges.

"It's important to say this agreement is not simple. It will include some very painful elements, and they already are painful," Herzog remarked, without elaborating on specifics. "But we understand that this is a historic moment that can also provide a genuine horizon of hope and change for the Middle East."

Herzog mentioned that Israel is "eagerly awaiting" the arrival of US President Donald Trump on Monday.

"We want to welcome him among us, to thank him from the bottom of our hearts, him and his team, for their tremendous effort, as well as the mediators and everyone who took part," he expressed.

He added that Israel seeks the US "to build the next stages of the deal so that we will see real change in Israel and the Middle East, in Gaza and everywhere, that will bring us true change and hope."

Meanwhile, The Times of Israel, citing its sources, reported that Hamas has informed mediators of its willingness to accelerate the release of hostages in Gaza to today, ahead of the planned Monday deadline, if Israel agrees to free at least two of seven high-profile Palestinian prisoners it is pursuing.

A fresh round of negotiations commenced this morning between Israel and Hamas to resolve outstanding matters concerning the list of prisoners to be released under the initial phase of Washington's Gaza ceasefire agreement.