President Donald Trump announced on October 9th, 2025, between 1:06 AM and 1:35 AM UTC, that Israeli hostages held by Hamas are expected to be released on Monday, October 13th, 2025, including the bodies of deceased hostages. This confirmation came as reports indicated celebrations erupted in Gaza City, specifically at al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Halah, marking the apparent end of the war. The IDF Spokesman stated the military welcomes the "abducting agreement" and has instructed forces to maintain strong protection and readiness for any scenario, acting in accordance with the political echelon and agreement stages. In statements made between 1:06 AM and 1:35 AM UTC, President Trump told Sean Hannity that "Things will be different in the Middle East" and reiterated to Rapid Response that "The hostages are going to be released — our time would be probably Monday... We think they'll all be coming back on Monday, and that'll include the bodies of the dead." The IDF's chief of staff also directed forces to lead the operation to restore the expected abductions with sensitivity and professionalism, vowing to continue pursuing war goals and protecting Israeli citizens. This announcement follows earlier confirmations from October 8th and 9th, 2025, where mediators announced the finalization of terms for the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire agreement. Previous reports indicated that Hamas had committed to releasing all remaining living hostages on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a deal guaranteed by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Prime Minister Netanyahu had stated, "With God - Return everyone," and President Trump had previously indicated Hamas would release all hostages.
