00 AM and 6:00 AM local time, according to a statement released Sunday by a government spokesperson.. Jerusalem expects the simultaneous handover of all 20 hostages to the Red Cross, transported in “six to eight” vehicles, with assurances against the theatrical displays of distress often orchestrated by Hamas in previous releases. This stipulation highlights a persistent tension surrounding the humanitarian process, with Israel seeking to minimize the potential for Hamas to exploit the release for propaganda purposes.
Adding a complex geopolitical dimension to the unfolding events, a hastily convened summit in Egypt will take place on Monday, drawing a contingent of world leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). Significantly, US President Donald Trump is slated to participate in a “signing ceremony” for his controversial peace plan for Gaza during the summit. The inclusion of Trump’s peace plan raises questions about the timing and potential motivations behind its reintroduction, particularly given the volatility of the hostage release negotiations and the plan’s prior rejection by both Palestinian and international stakeholders. Critics suggest the move may be an attempt to leverage the hostage release for political gain and circumvent ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The summit’s timing and Trump’s participation inject a layer of political maneuvering into an already precarious situation, prompting speculation about whether it aims to solidify a specific outcome or shape the narrative surrounding the conflict and future peace efforts. The inclusion of the peace plan raises further concerns about its potential to derail existing diplomatic channels and exacerbate existing divides among regional players.
