In a major milestone, Hamas begins releasing final Israeli hostages

"TEL AVIV Hamas on Monday began releasing the final Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza, a major milestone in the efforts to end the devastating two years of war in the Palestinian territory. Hamas initially handed over seven of the 20 living hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which in turn presented them to the Israeli military, according to a statement by the military."

"The remaining 13 hostages were expected to be released shortly. The military is flying the hostages by helicopter from southern Israel to hospitals in the Tel Aviv area. All the hostages are men, mostly in their 20s and 30s. The hostage handover ignited celebrations in Israel. Tens of thousands gathered in Hostages Square, the plaza in Tel Aviv that has been the site of vigils throughout the war. The crowd roared in jubilation and waved blue-and-white Israeli flags."

"Hamas is also required to hand over 28 bodies of dead hostages, though the Palestinian group says it has not been able to locate all of them. In turn, Israel is preparing to hand over nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees as it is required to do under the truce announced last week. These exchanges are expected to begin later Monday. The fast-moving developments came as President Trump headed to Israel."

Hamas began releasing Israeli hostages in Gaza as part of the ceasefire, initially handing seven of the 20 living hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which presented them to the Israeli military. The remaining 13 hostages were expected to be released shortly, and the military flew the freed men by helicopter to Tel Aviv-area hospitals. All the hostages are men, mostly in their 20s and 30s. The releases sparked large celebrations in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Hamas must also hand over 28 bodies, though it says it cannot locate all. Israel prepared to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. President Trump traveled to Israel to press the deal, meet families and take part in a signing ceremony. Increased aid began entering southern Gaza from Egypt amid urgent needs for food, water, medicine, fuel and tents.

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