Countdown in Gaza: Will Hostages Be Home by Tuesday?

As President Donald Trump’s plane heads for the Middle East, a tense countdown is gripping the region. According to the terms of a new ceasefire, Hamas has 72 hours to release its final 48 Israeli hostages, a deadline that falls squarely in the middle of the president’s high-stakes visit. Trump himself has set expectations, predicting a homecoming for Monday or Tuesday.
This timeline puts the hostage release at the very center of the diplomatic drama. A successful and timely return would provide a spectacular and positive opening for Trump’s mission, validating his administration’s efforts and creating a wave of goodwill as he addresses the Israeli Knesset and convenes a regional peace summit.
The process began on Friday, when Israeli forces completed a partial withdrawal from Gaza’s main cities. This action was the pre-agreed trigger for the 72-hour clock to start ticking. The world now watches and waits to see if Hamas will honor its side of the bargain for this crucial first phase of the deal.
The logistics of such an exchange are complex and delicate, involving third-party intermediaries like Egypt and Qatar. The safety and security of the hostages during the handover are paramount. The US is supporting the process with a new coordination center in Israel, staffed by 200 American troops, to help with logistics and monitoring.
For the families of the hostages, this is a period of agonizing anticipation. For the diplomats, it is a test of the ceasefire’s viability. For President Trump, the outcome of this countdown will largely shape the narrative of his entire trip, determining whether it begins with a celebration of life or a diplomatic crisis.