Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement Sunday evening, just hours ahead of the much-anticipated release of the remaining 20 living hostages which have been held captive by the Hamas terror group for the past two years.
The peace agreement calls for Hamas to release the hostages before noon on Monday, Israel time, which would be 5:00 a.m. ET.
In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote:
Citizens of Israel, my brothers and sisters, this is an emotional evening, an evening of tears, an evening of joy. Because tomorrow, children will return to their border.
This is a historic event that blends sorrow over the release of murderers – and joy over the return of hostages.
This is a historic event that some did not believe would happen. But our fighters believed. Many among the people believed. And I believed.
This is a historic event that blends sorrow over the release of murderers – and joy over the return of hostages.
This is a historic event that some did not believe would happen. But our fighters believed. Many among the people believed. And I believed.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 12, 2025
I know there are many disagreements among us. But on this day, and I hope also in the period ahead, we have every reason to put them aside. Because through joint efforts we achieved enormous victories. Victories that astonished the entire world.
And I want to say: Everywhere we fought – we won. But in the same breath, I must tell you: The campaign is not over. There are still very great security challenges ahead of us.
Some of our enemies are trying to rebuild themselves to attack us again. And as we say – ‘We’re on it’
And I want to say: Everywhere we fought – we won.
But in the same breath, I must tell you: The campaign is not over. There are still very great security challenges ahead of us.Some of our enemies are trying to rebuild themselves to attack us again. And as we say – ‘We’re on it’
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 12, 2025
There are also great opportunities that we have never known before – precisely because of the victories we brought. I am convinced that through joint efforts we will overcome the challenges and realize the opportunities.
During the war, my wife and I met many times with the families of the abductees. We saw their pain, their yearning, their tears.
During the war, my wife and I met many times with the families of the abductees.
We saw their pain, their yearning, their tears.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 12, 2025
These meetings were with me in every decision I made during the war. We embraced the families, and I promised them: ‘I will not rest until I bring your loved ones back.’
I wish to thank the IDF soldiers and commanders, the security forces, the bereaved families who lost what is most dear to them, our heroic wounded who carry their pain in body and soul.
I wish to thank the IDF soldiers and commanders, the security forces, the bereaved families who lost what is most dear to them, our heroic wounded who carry their pain in body and soul.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 12, 2025
And I wish to thank you, citizens of Israel. You who stood strong, day after day, with love for our country and faith in the justice of our path.
Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of building, a path of healing, and I hope – a path of uniting hearts.
Together we will continue to strengthen our country. Together we will continue to win, and with G-d’s help, together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.
Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of building, a path of healing, and I hope – a path of uniting hearts.
Together we will continue to strengthen our country. Together we will continue to win, and with G-d’s help, together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 12, 2025
In a separate post, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released the following statement:
“The IDF is now launching Operation “Returning Home” to return our hostages from Hamas captivity. In a few hours we will all be reunited – one people, embraced and united.”
“The military pressure we applied over the past two years, together with the complementary diplomatic measures, constitute a victory over Hamas. We will continue to act in order to shape a security reality that ensures the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to the State of Israel and its civilians.” — Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir
🟡 “The IDF is now launching Operation “Returning Home” to return our hostages from Hamas captivity. In a few hours we will all be reunited – one people, embraced and united.”
“The military pressure we applied over the past two years, together with the complementary diplomatic…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 12, 2025
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