The release of Israeli hostages in Gaza has officially started, with Hamas handing over the first batch of seven individuals to the International Red Cross.
The hostages—Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Alon Ohel—were freed from northern Gaza. A second group of 13 hostages is expected to follow soon. Israel described the transfer as a key milestone under a US-backed ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The broader deal also includes the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel and the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, where food shortages remain critical.
Officials involved in the operation confirmed that the Red Cross received the first group at a designated collection point in northern Gaza.
The release comes after two years of intense conflict and marks the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, negotiated last week through indirect talks in Egypt with Qatar and Turkey acting as mediators. This step is being viewed as a crucial test of the ceasefire and a potential turning point toward easing regional tensions.
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