Hamas has begun releasing the first seven Israeli hostages held in Gaza for over two years, as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal spearheaded by President Donald Trump.
The transfers, facilitated by the Red Cross in northern Gaza, mark the initial phase of an agreement aiming to end the protracted conflict.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry identified the freed individuals as brothers Ziv and Gali Berman, along with five others in their 20s to 40s.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed receipt of the group, with medical teams on standby for their safe transport to hospitals.
Families gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, erupting in joy amid live streams of the handover.
The deal stipulates Hamas releasing all 20 surviving hostages by noon local time in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody.
Trump, en route to Israel for a brief summit in Egypt, hailed the progress from Air Force One, declaring the “war is over” and urging a swift halt to hostilities.
Netanyahu’s office echoed readiness for full implementation, while displaced Gazans cautiously returned north to survey widespread devastation.
This exchange, the first major step since the October 2023 attacks, signals cautious optimism for de-escalation, though experts warn of fragile dynamics amid ongoing negotiations on disarmament and governance.
