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Ceasefire Delivers 20 Hostages Home as Israel Begins Releasing About 1,968 Prisoners

The U.S.-brokered deal starts a pause that increases aid access, signaling tougher negotiations still to come.

Overview

  • Hamas handed over all 20 surviving Israeli captives in two batches, with three Argentine nationals among those returning to Israel.
  • Israel commenced the first-phase release of roughly 1,968 Palestinian detainees, with the transfer of 26 deceased hostages’ remains expected under agreed protocols.
  • President Donald Trump addressed the Knesset, declared the war over, and traveled to Sharm el‑Sheikh for talks with Egypt, Qatar and other partners to lock in the first phase.
  • UN OCHA reported expanded humanitarian access, including cooking gas and large aid convoys via Rafah, while Gaza health authorities continue to report tens of thousands of deaths and acute needs.
  • Diplomats warn that disarming Hamas, installing a transitional governing mechanism and standing up a proposed international stabilization force will be the most complex steps ahead.