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Gaza Ceasefire Enters First Phase as Hamas Frees 20 Hostages and Israel Releases Nearly 2,000 Prisoners

Attention now turns to unresolved questions over who will govern Gaza.

Overview

  • All 20 surviving Israeli hostages were handed to the Red Cross and received by Israeli authorities after releases in two groups.
  • Israel freed about 1,718 Palestinians detained without charge and roughly 250 long‑term prisoners, with returns to Gaza and the West Bank and some deportations to Egypt reported.
  • Israeli officials said four coffins containing hostage remains were transferred to the Red Cross, with identifications pending and additional returns expected within a 72‑hour window.
  • World leaders met in Sharm el‑Sheikh to formalize the first phase, establish international monitoring and coordination, and discuss a proposed U.S.-led 'Board of Peace.'
  • President Trump addressed the Knesset and co‑chaired the summit, urging restraint as disputes persist over Hamas disarmament, the scope of Israeli withdrawals, and the structure of a postwar administration in Gaza.