New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday, October 12, that his country is ready to "immediately receive" 48 Israeli hostages - 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Palestinian militant group Hamas also pledged to release them by a Monday deadline in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners.

"Israel is prepared and ready to immediately receive all of our hostages," Prime Minister Netanyahu said.

Meanwhile, Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said, "We are expecting all 20 of our living hostages to be released together at one time to the Red Cross and transported in six to eight vehicles."

The Israeli government's statement came days after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire deal proposed ...