
GAZA — In a significant development for the region, Hamas on Monday freed the 20 remaining living Israeli hostages who had been held since the group’s October 7, 2023 attacks. The handover, overseen by the International Committee of the Red Cross, marks the initial phase of a new ceasefire agreement negotiated by the United States and led by President Donald Trump.
As part of the reciprocal arrangement, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The prisoner release included individuals who had been serving life sentences for their involvement in previous conflicts. The deal was finalized following intense negotiations held in Egypt.
The breakthrough was celebrated in a historic address by former President Trump to the Israeli Knesset, where he declared the agreement as “the beginning of a new era for the Middle East.” Global leaders have since voiced their support for the U.S.-led peace initiative, though the region continues to face underlying tensions.
The ceasefire and exchange are seen as a major step toward de-escalation, though long-term stability in the region remains a complex and ongoing challenge.