By Sarah Sam Adda
Hamas on Monday released the first seven of 20 surviving Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza under a ceasefire deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the two-year war.
The agreement provides for the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The first handover coincided with Trump’s surprise visit to Israel, where he declared the Gaza war “over” and urged both sides to embrace peace.
Emotional crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to celebrate the news. “I’m torn between joy and sorrow for those who won’t return,” said Noga, a relative of one captive.
In Gaza, residents expressed relief as calm returned to parts of the devastated enclave. “We will pitch a tent next to the rubble and wait for reconstruction,” said Fatima Salem, who returned to her destroyed home.
The war has claimed more than 67,000 lives in Gaza, according to UN figures, with women and children accounting for over half of the dead.
Trump’s peace plan, to be discussed at an upcoming Egypt summit, includes Israel’s partial withdrawal and the creation of a multinational peacekeeping force.
