Dozens have been killed in Gaza during violent fighting Sunday and within hours of the expected release of hostages in the war-torn region, according to local reports.

The clashes between local militias also came ahead of a televised address in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the imminent hostage release “the beginning of a new path.”

The Israeli president had cautioned, “The campaign is not over. There are still very great security challenges ahead of us.”

Locals said gunfire had sent families fleeing in panic. 

At least 64 people reportedly died in Gaza fighting. (Hassan Jedi/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Hamas’s Interior and National Security Ministry later announced a “clemency framework” allowing militia members and criminals not involved in bloodshed to surrender by next Sunday, warning that those who do not comply will be “punished severely.”

Amid the bloodshed, three anti-Hamas militias publicly declared their support for President Trump’s peace proposal, rejecting Hamas’s authority in the Gaza Strip.

Israel said Hamas is expected to release 20 living hostages to the Red Cross by 5 a.m. Eastern (noon in Gaza) Monday.

The hostages are to be transported in six to eight vehicles under Red Cross supervision, and handed over to Israeli forces inside Gaza. They will then be driven to southern Israel to reunite with loved ones.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Israeli Government for comment.