Hamas releases all living hostages as Trump arrives in Israel

Hamas on Monday released 20 living Israeli hostages to thecountry’s defence forces in Gaza under a ceasefire agreement brokered by UnitedStates President Donald Trump. On October 9, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase ofa ceasefire plan that will see the release of all hostages and a withdrawal ofIsraeli troops to an agreed line in Gaza. The release sparked scenes of jubilation in Tel Aviv’sHostages Square, where hundreds of people had gathered to support the familiesof those in captivity. “According to information provided by the Red Cross, sevenhostages have been transferred into their custody and are on their way to IDFand ISA forces in the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli military said. The army added that it was “prepared to receive additionalhostages who are expected to be transferred later in the day”. The BBC is now reporting that all living Israeli hostageshave been released. On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants abducted 251 people inan unprecedented attack on Israel that left over 1,200 civilians dead. All but 47 of the hostages had been released in earliertruces, leaving the families of those still missing in constant anguish. In Gaza, the ceasefire brought brief relief to residentsafter two years of relentless bombardment. “I returned to Sheikh Radwan with my heart trembling,” saidFatima Salem, a 38-year-old Gaza resident. “My eyes kept searching for landmarks I had lost — nothinglooked the same. Even the neighbours’ houses were gone. Despite the exhaustionand fear, I felt like I was coming back to my safe place.” Under the US-brokered deal, Israel is expected to releaseabout 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for all surviving hostages. Trump, who declared the war “over”, is visiting Israel andEgypt to celebrate what he called a “very special” breakthrough in Middle Eastpeace efforts. “I think it’s going to hold. I think people are tired of it.It’s been centuries,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. “The war is over. Okay? You understand that?” In Jerusalem, the US president is expected to meet familiesof the freed hostages before addressing the Israeli parliament. Trump’s itinerary includes a stop in Egypt, where he andPresident Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will co-host a summit of more than 20 worldleaders to endorse the ceasefire and discuss the next phase of the peace plan. The roadmap proposes a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gazato be followed by a multinational peacekeeping force coordinated through aUS-led command centre. Trump said he had received “guarantees” from Israel andHamas on compliance with the first phase of the agreement. He also hinted that he might visit Gaza in the near future,saying he would be “proud” to go there when conditions permit. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 67,806 peoplehave been killed since the Israeli occupation in 2023 — figures the UnitedNations has deemed credible. The Israeli army confirmed that the first tranche of sevenreleased hostages — including twin brothers Ziv and Gali Berman — have returnedhome safely.

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