First Hostages Freed as Landmark Gaza Ceasefire Takes Hold

The first group of seven Israeli hostages has been released by Hamas in Gaza and transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marking a pivotal moment in the fragile ceasefire agreement.

Under the deal, a further thirteen Israeli captives are expected to be freed later today. In return, Israel is preparing to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from its jails, a move eagerly anticipated by families in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The development comes as U.S. President Donald Trump formally declared an end to the war in Gaza. Flying into the region, Trump is set to deliver an address at the Israeli Knesset before co-chairing a high-level summit in Egypt focused on consolidating the ceasefire and shaping the framework for long-term peace.

The carefully orchestrated exchange is being watched closely across the world, with many hoping it signals the beginning of a more stable and negotiated path forward after weeks of devastating conflict.