GAZA CITY: Hamas has released a number of Israeli hostages as part of a critical ceasefire agreement, with all living captives transferred to Israel via the Red Cross. Concurrently, Israel has also commenced the release of Palestinian prisoners held in its detention facilities.
The exchange is taking place in stages under the Gaza peace agreement. The process involved two phases of transfers to Israel: seven hostages were released in the first stage, followed by 13 more in the second, with the handover conducted through the Red Cross. Major preparations are reportedly underway in Tel Aviv to welcome the returning hostages.
In addition to the living captives, the bodies of deceased hostages are also expected to be handed over today. According to reports, Hamas is holding the remains of 28 hostages. The militant group initially captured 251 people during the attack in 2023, with some being released in previous rounds and others having been killed in Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, a peace summit is scheduled to take place today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, chaired by Trump. This diplomatic event comes amidst heightened global efforts to solidify peace in the region.
