World awaits momentous homecoming for Israel's 48 hostages

HAMAS is set to hand over 48 Israeli hostages today as part of Donald Trump's historic Gaza peace plan.

- By Giles Sheldrick and Katie Harris

The momentous homecoming of captives taken during the October 7 massacre marks the beginning of the end of a two-year war — and a potential turning point in the Middle East.

Triumphant US President Trump, who brokered the fragile peace pact, is set to receive a hero’s welcome when he touches down to formally sign the Gaza Peace Plan at a summit in Egypt today.

The President is set to visit Israel first in the morning, where he is likely to meet the hostages’ families and possibly some of the released hostages, according to the White House. He will then address the Knesset parliament of Israel, before flying to Egypt at around lunchtime.

Just before boarding Air Force One last night, an upbeat Mr Trump said: “Everybody is very excited about this moment in time.” Referring to both Arab states and Israel, he said: “Everyone is cheering — and that’s not happened before.

“It’s an honour to be involved. We are going to have an amazing time.”

But last night, amid unprecedented scenes of joy and relief, there was trepidation that Hamas militants could hijack the swap by indulging in a final act of defiance. Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said: “We are expecting all 20 of our living hostages to be released together at one time to the Red Cross without any sick displays by Hamas.

“Palestinian prisoners will be released once Israel has confirmation that all of our hostages cross the border.”

Twenty living captives are set to be freed, while the 28 bodies of dead hostages will be placed in coffins draped with Israeli flags before being taken for forensic identification.

Only when all are home will Israel repatriate 250 convicted Palestinians and 1,700 prisoners detained since the conflict began.