Hamas has released seven Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza, marking a significant step in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by US President Donald Trump.
The released hostages include, Alon Ohel, 24, Ziv and Gali Berman, 28 (twins), Matan Angrest, 22, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, 24, Omri Miran, 48 and Eitan Mor, 25.
These individuals were handed over to the Red Cross and are on their way to Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. According to the agreement, Hamas is expected to release all 20 surviving hostages in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons ².
The release comes as President Trump arrives in the region for a high-level peace summit, where he will meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to discuss the next steps in the peace process. Trump has expressed optimism about the ceasefire, stating, “I think it’s going to hold. I think people are tired of it. It’s been centuries”.
The ceasefire agreement also involves the release of Palestinian prisoners, with Israel expected to free approximately 1,950 Palestinian detainees. The plan includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, to be replaced by a multinational force coordinated by a US-led command center in Israel.
This development brings hope for a lasting peace in the region, although challenges and uncertainties remain, including Hamas’s refusal to disarm and Israel’s failure to pledge a full withdrawal from Gaza.
