Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 12, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Report: Hamas says it could free hostages later today, confirms 20 alive
Israelis attend a protest in Jerusalem, calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, on October 11, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Hamas has confirmed to Israel that 20 hostages are alive, and says they could be released as early as today, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources familiar with the issue.
The message was sent through Arab mediators, according to the report.
An Israeli official tells the paper that Israel is ready to receive the hostages tonight, though a Monday release is still considered more likely.
Israel has said it believes 20 hostages are alive, and that there are grave concerns for the fates of two others, while confirming that 26 others are dead.
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