Hamas Releases Remaining Hostages in Gaza as Ceasefire Deal Takes Effect

The long-awaited release of remaining hostages has brought a sense of relief to families and friends of those held captive in Gaza for over two years. A total of 20 living hostages, all men, were freed on Monday, with seven released early in the morning and the remaining 13 later in the day. The hostages were being reunited with their families and underwent medical checks. The release comes as part of a ceasefire deal that has paused the devastating war between Israel and Hamas, which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and scores of captives in Hamas hands.

Key Takeaways:

• The 20 living hostages released were all men, with some showing signs of malnutrition.
• The bodies of 28 dead hostages are also expected to be handed over as part of the deal, although the exact timing remains unclear.
• Tens of thousands of Israelis watched the transfers at public screenings across the country, with photos of the first seven hostages released showing them looking pale but less gaunt than some of the hostages freed in January.
• Palestinians await the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel, including 250 people serving life sentences and 1,700 seized from Gaza during the war.
• The ceasefire has raised hopes for ending the deadliest war ever between Israel and Hamas and is expected to be accompanied by a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
• US President Donald Trump has arrived in the region to discuss the US-proposed deal and postwar plans with other leaders.

Statistics:

• Over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, with around half of the dead being women and children.
• The war has destroyed large swaths of Gaza and displaced about 90% of its 2 million residents.
• The Israeli military has fired tear gas and rubber bullets at a crowd waiting near Ofer Prison in the West Bank.
• An international task force will work to locate deceased hostages who are not returned within 72 hours, said Gal Hirsch, Israel's coordinator for the hostages and the missing.

Sources:

• The Associated Press
• Daily Times
• Reuters