Israel confirms return of 20 hostages as cease-fire deal begins

On Monday, Israel’s military announced that all 20 remaining hostages held by Hamas have been released. Their release occurred at the start of the first phase of a cease-fire agreement, marking a new stage in efforts to end the two-year war in Gaza, according to United Press International.

The hostages were released in two groups on Monday. Both groups were first handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, then transferred to Israeli forces for medical checks. Many have already reunited with their families at hospitals on the same day.

Israeli authorities stated that, as part of the agreement implemented on Monday, the exchange includes the release of 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, with 250 of them serving life sentences, in return for the hostages.

The deal, arranged with help from Egypt, follows a larger peace plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last month.

Given the significance of the deal, President Trump arrived in Israel in person on Monday, soon after the hostages were released. He plans to address the Israeli parliament – the Knesset – and then attend a summit in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, scheduled for this week, to discuss ending the war and rebuilding Gaza.

Israel began its offensive in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas attacked the country, killing about 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. As a result of the offensive, tens of thousands of Palestinians have died, most of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and much of the area’s infrastructure has been destroyed, according to local and international reports.