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Hamas has handed over its remaining Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marking a major step in ending two years of devastating conflict in Gaza. The transfer comes under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement led by President Donald Trump, who arrived in Israel to address the Knesset and oversee the deal’s next phase.
Israel’s military confirmed receiving seven freed hostages, while 13 more are expected to follow later in the day. Families of the released captives expressed overwhelming joy, with many gathering near Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and the Reim military base to welcome their loved ones. Photos released by the Israeli military showed the freed captives standing, appearing in stable condition.
The ceasefire’s first phase also includes the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, alongside the repatriation of bodies from 26 deceased hostages. The agreement was finalized last week in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where over 20 global leaders are set to meet today to discuss long-term peace efforts in the region.
The war, ignited by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages, has left Gaza in ruins. More than 67,000 Palestinians have died amid relentless Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults. Trump’s 20-point peace plan envisions a "Board of Peace" overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction, though key issues—such as Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza’s governance—remain unresolved.
At Nasser Hospital in Gaza, masked Hamas fighters participated in prisoner-release preparations, underscoring the challenges of achieving full disarmament. Despite lingering mistrust, U.N. officials welcomed the development, urging Israel to ease aid restrictions as emergency supplies begin flowing back into Gaza.
