In a powerful moment on Monday, Hamas handed over the 20 surviving Israeli hostages under a ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The streets of Tel Aviv erupted in tears, cheers, and songs as families celebrated the first releases 🎉😢.
According to the Red Cross and the Israeli military, seven hostages were initially transferred into Red Cross custody before moving on to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip. Shortly after, 13 more were released, reuniting them with loved ones who had endured months of anguish.
In exchange, Israel will free nearly 2,000 detainees held in its jails, including 250 security detainees convicted of serious offenses. During the conflict, the Israeli army detained around 1,700 people in Gaza.
The ceasefire also calls for the return of the remains of 27 hostages who died in captivity, plus a soldier killed in 2014. While not all bodies are expected to be returned immediately, the agreement marks a significant step toward closure for grieving families.
Since the October 7 attack that saw 251 people seized and more than 1,200 lives lost, all but 47 hostages had been freed in earlier truces. Now, both sides are taking tentative steps toward peace, even as much of Gaza lies in ruins.
President Trump, who declared the war is over, made a surprise visit to Israel en route to Egypt for peace talks. He plans to meet the reunited families before addressing the Israeli parliament, hoping to cement this fragile truce.
As talks continue, the world watches to see if this ceasefire will hold. For now, hopeful reunions and fresh tears of relief are the story of the day, reminding us of the human faces behind every headline.
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Hamas frees all 20 surviving Israeli hostages under ceasefire deal
cgtn.com
