(NewsNation) — As President Trump began his journey to the Middle East on Sunday, Israeli hostages held in Gaza were expected to be released within hours after Hamas agreed to the terms of a ceasefire in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli officials believe about 20 of the hostages out of 48 held by Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Gaza are still alive. All of the living hostages could be home as soon as Monday, officials have said.

“Israel is prepared and ready to immediately receive all of our hostages,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

Israel's Cabinet approved the framework of the deal on Thursday.

US monitoring hostage release plan, ceasefire deal

Since President Trump announced the deal, U.S. service members began arriving in Israel t

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