Vice President J.D. Vance told NBC News on Sunday that the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza could be released “any moment now,” adding that he expected releases “by Sunday night or Monday morning” as President Trump heads to the Middle East to sign a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The remarks, delivered on Meet the Press, were among the most definitive U.S. statements yet about a potential breakthrough in months of fraught negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and other regional actors.

Vance framed the possible release as part of a larger push to secure a cessation of hostilities that would allow expanded humanitarian access to Gaza and the orderly return of civilians. “We’re hopeful,” he said. “The president is looking at all his options, and we are coordinating closely with partners on the ground.” The White House provided no immediate operational details and U.S. officials declined to say whether American personnel would be present when hostages are turned over.

NBC News cited Vance’s comments in its reporting; Israeli and Palestinian authorities did not immediately confirm the timeline, and international organizations said they had not yet been briefed on any concrete transfer plans. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which has been involved in past transfers and monitoring, said it would be prepared to receive information and provide assistance if a release were imminent.

For families of captives, the possibility has been a source of desperate hope and cautious skepticism. A relative of one detainee told reporters the man held in Gaza was “a man of peace” who “deserves to be free,” underscoring the personal stakes behind the diplomatic maneuvering. Advocacy groups have repeatedly pressed for transparent mechanisms to account for all abductees and to guarantee immediate medical care and legal protections upon release.

Any exchange or release raises complex legal and political questions. Taking civilians hostage is a clear breach of international humanitarian law, and the return and reintegration of freed captives will require coordination among governments, medical teams and legal authorities. For Israel, the release of captives is both a humanitarian priority and a political imperative; for Hamas and its mediators, concessions will be weighed against strategic and internal pressures.

The potential timing of the announcement—on the eve of President Trump’s visit—adds a geopolitical layer. A successful handover and accompanying ceasefire could bolster the Trump administration’s diplomatic credentials in the region and alleviate pressure from allies and domestic constituencies demanding an end to bloodshed. Conversely, a failed announcement or partial release could deepen mistrust and complicate an already fragile truce.

Analysts urged caution, noting past episodes when promised releases were delayed or fell apart under last-minute hurdles. “Verification remains essential,” said a senior diplomat from a European capital who requested anonymity to discuss ongoing talks. “Families deserve certainty, not speculation.”

As governments awaited confirmation, international humanitarian agencies warned that, whatever the outcome, immediate and sustained access to Gaza for aid and medical evacuation will be essential to prevent further civilian suffering and to give returned hostages the care they will need. The world watched to see whether words on Sunday would translate into the reunions and relief that many have been waiting for.