The release of hostages held in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel is anticipated to start on Sunday, according to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Friday.

“Subject to cabinet and government approval, and the execution of the agreement, the release of the hostages can proceed as planned, with the first releases expected on Sunday,” the statement read.

Under the initial 42-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, 33 hostages will be freed in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as confirmed by mediators and officials from both sides.

Sources close to Hamas informed AFP that the first group of hostages to be released includes three Israeli women soldiers. Since Hamas considers any Israeli of military age who has completed mandatory service as a soldier, this classification may also apply to civilians taken during the initial attack.

AFP obtained a list indicating that the first three hostages to be freed are women under 30 who were not in military service at the time of the attack. “They are expected to be released on Sunday evening,” a source close to Hamas revealed, speaking anonymously as he was not authorized to comment publicly.

The Red Cross, alongside Egyptian and Qatari teams, will oversee the handover process. Hostages will first be transferred to Egypt, where they will undergo medical examinations before being handed over to Israeli representatives.

In exchange, Israel is set to release the first group of Palestinian prisoners, including several with long-term sentences. “A number of significant (Palestinian) prisoners are expected to be part of the exchange,” the source added.