Hamas has released the first seven Israeli hostages as part of a landmark ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement brokered between the warring sides. The captives were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza and have since been received by Israeli authorities.
Thirteen more Israeli captives are expected to be released later today under the terms of the deal, which marks the first significant de-escalation in the year-long conflict.
In return, Israel is set to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 individuals serving life sentences. The deal also involves the repatriation of 28 bodies of deceased Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The agreement comes amid a staggering humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Palestinians are cautiously returning to the ruins of their homes in the north, as limited aid begins to reach the devastated territory. Israel’s military campaign, launched in October 2023, has so far killed at least 67,806 people and wounded over 170,000, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Israel and is expected to address the Knesset before co-chairing a summit in Egypt focused on regional stabilization and long-term peace prospects.
