The IDF says it remains uncertain about the exact timing of Hamas’s planned release of the 20 living hostages but expects it to take place sometime tomorrow morning, possibly around 8 a.m., The Times of Israel reports.

Hamas is expected to release the 20 living hostages in two batches tomorrow morning, one at 8 a.m. and one at 9 a.m., Channel 12 reports, claiming that Israeli and Gazan officials have been updated with that information.

According to the military, forces have been fully prepared since yesterday to receive the hostages and will stay on alert throughout the night in case the release occurs earlier than expected.

The freed captives are expected to be handed over at three separate locations in Gaza — Gaza City, central Gaza, and Khan Younis. Hamas will transfer them directly to Red Cross representatives, without any public ceremony, who will then bring them to IDF personnel waiting nearby.

Once outside Gaza, the hostages will be taken to the IDF’s Re’im base near the border, where they will undergo initial medical and psychological evaluations. Some family members are expected to be present at the facility to greet their loved ones.

The IDF also anticipates that Hamas will begin returning the bodies of slain hostages following the release of the living captives. However, *The Times of Israel* notes that the military does not yet know how many bodies will be handed over initially.

Hamas has reportedly told mediators that it does not know the locations of all the bodies, which could delay the recovery process. The return of the remains is expected to take place gradually over the next two days.

The bodies of slain hostages will be received by IDF troops in Gaza, where a brief honor ceremony led by a military rabbi will take place before they are brought back to Israel.