In a momentous development,Hamas released all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages on Monday as part of a new Gaza ceasefire agreement. The release was conducted in two phases, bringing the long-awaited return of the captives after two years of deadly conflict.
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shows Israeli hostages
The first group of seven hostages, including Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa Dalal, and Alon Ahel, were transferred to the Red Cross in the morning. The remaining 13, including Evyatar David, Alon Ohel, Avinatan Or, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Nimrod Cohen, Bar Kuperstein, Yosef Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, and Rom Braslavski, were released in the second phase.
US President Donald Trump, who mediated the ceasefire, arrived in Israel ahead of his scheduled visit to Egypt for a Gaza peace summit. His arrival was met with a bold statement.
“The war is over. This is a great day. This is a new beginning,” Trump said, welcoming the ceasefire and asserting that Hamas would comply with the plan to disarm. He is scheduled to deliver an address at the Israeli parliament (Knesset).
People react as they gather to watch a live broadcast of Israeli hostages released from Gaza at a plaza known as hostages square in TelAviv.
Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Details
The release of the 20 living Israeli hostages is being made in exchange for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the safe return of the released hostages under the operation title “Returning Home.”
The released hostages are being accompanied by IDF and ISA personnel for an initial medical assessment.
The IDF urged the public to act with sensitivity and respect the privacy of the returnees.
The families of the hostages experienced emotional video calls with their loved ones prior to their release.
In a heartwarming gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, prepared personalized reception kits for each returning hostage, including clothing, a laptop, a phone, a tablet, and a handwritten note that read: “On behalf of all the people of Israel, welcome back! We waited for you, hugging you.”
The Road Ahead: Peace Summit and Uncertainties
The ceasefire marks the first phase of a broader 20-point peace plan. Trump will co-host a summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with over 20 global leaders to review the next steps, central to which is the creation of a new international body, the “Board of Peace,” which Trump is expected to lead.
Despite the breakthrough, the path forward is uncertain. Key elements like the post-war governance of Gaza and the future of Hamas remain unresolved, as the group has not yet agreed to Israel’s demand that it disarm.
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