What to expect when the truce between Israel and Hamas takes effect on Sunday

After that ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas goes into effect Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. Israel time, which is 1:30 a.m. EDT, with the three hostages expected to be released first.

As of Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET, Israel was still waiting to see which of the hostages would be released first.

Cabinet of Ministers of Israel approved the transaction early Saturday morning for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages taken following an unprovoked Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The first phase of the deal begins on Sunday with the release of the first three hostages and lasts for 42 days.

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The three hostages are expected to be the first to be released after a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect at 8:30 a.m. local time Sunday morning, which is 1:30 a.m. EDT. (Maya Alleruzzo/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

During this time, 33 hostages will be released, primarily children, women, military personnel, people over 50 years old, as well as sick and wounded men. More than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will also be sent back to Gaza.

Most of the Israeli hostages are believed to be still alive, but their identities will not be released until they are released.

Four more hostages will be released on the seventh day and three more will be released on the 14th, with priority given to women.

Three more hostages will also be released on the 28th and again on the 35th.

Between days 35 and 42 hostages Aver Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, both held in Gaza since 2014 and 2015, will be released.

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During the last week of the first stage, 12 hostages will be released.

Demonstrators who want the release of hostages

Hundreds of people gathered in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday to demand the immediate return of hostages to their homes after a ceasefire took effect. (Nir Keidar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

On the 16th day of the first phase, negotiations will begin for the second phase, which is expected to include the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, including youths, soldiers and dead soldiers.

The second stage will begin on day 43 and continue for another 42 days.

The Israeli government has decided that the Israel Defense Forces will remain in Gaza until the last hostage is released, but they will return to the security zone along the border with Gaza, which ensures the safety of residents living there.