A major breakthrough in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict unfolded today as Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages under a newly negotiated ceasefire deal.
According to the agreement, all living hostages were to be freed by Monday at noon local time — a key condition of the truce.
The first group of seven hostages was released shortly after 8 a.m. local time and handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) inside Gaza.
The Red Cross later confirmed it had begun the process of transferring the hostages to Israeli forces, marking the first tangible progress in the multi-phase release plan.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the names of the first hostages freed by Hamas: Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Matan Angrest.
On social media, the ministry posted their photos with the caption “Welcome home”, sparking widespread emotional reactions across Israel.
Thousands of citizens gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where they erupted into applause and cheers upon hearing that the Red Cross had arrived in Gaza for the handover.
Under the terms of the exchange, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees, as part of the broader humanitarian deal aimed at easing tensions after nearly two years of conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Israel shortly before traveling to Egypt for a high-level summit attended by around 20 world leaders.
Trump declared that the “war is over” in Gaza — though officials in both Jerusalem and Cairo caution that several critical phases of the peace agreement still require negotiation.
Following their release, the hostages will be taken to a military base outside Gaza, where they will be reunited with their families and receive medical treatment.
Israeli doctors warn that many may be in fragile condition after spending nearly two years in underground tunnels, with limited food, water, and medical care since Hamas’ October 7 attacks.
For Israelis and their families, the release represents both relief and renewed hope.
While much of the international community views this as a positive step toward ending the Gaza conflict, officials warn that sustaining the fragile peace will require continued diplomatic cooperation.
