In a major breakthrough toward ending two years of conflict, Hamas on Monday handed over the first group of seven surviving Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, marking the beginning of a historic exchange deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to Israeli military and security officials, the seven hostages were safely transferred into Red Cross custody and were en route to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and internal security service (ISA) teams stationed at a designated handover point in Gaza.
A second Red Cross convoy was reportedly preparing to collect the remaining hostages later in the day, as part of an agreement that mandates Hamas to release all 20 surviving Israeli captives in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.
The development coincided with Trump’s surprise visit to Israel, where he declared the war in Gaza “over” before traveling to Egypt for a regional peace summit expected to outline the next phase of the post-war framework.
“According to information provided by the Red Cross, seven hostages have been transferred into their custody and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli military confirmed in an official statement.
The ceasefire agreement, seen as a diplomatic milestone, comes after months of indirect negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. It aims to halt the violence that erupted after Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the devastating conflict.
In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered at Hostages Square — a symbolic site that has hosted daily vigils since the war began — where scenes of joy and relief erupted as news of the releases spread. Families embraced, sang, and wept as they learned their loved ones were finally returning home.
Among them was Noga, a relative of one of the released hostages, who spoke to AFP amid tears.
“I’m torn between emotion and sadness for those who won’t be coming back,” she said. “It’s a moment of hope, but also a reminder of all the pain this war has caused.”
The hostages’ release marks the first concrete step in the broader ceasefire plan, which includes phased prisoner swaps, humanitarian access to Gaza, and commitments from both sides to begin talks on a long-term peace framework.
Israeli officials have described the development as “a significant humanitarian victory” and credited the coordination between international mediators and security agencies.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials accompanying President Trump said the agreement was “a model for diplomacy in action” and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting reconstruction and reconciliation efforts in the region.
If the second batch of hostages is released as scheduled, it would signify full compliance by both parties and solidify the most substantial peace progress since the conflict began.
