TEL AVIV: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that the first group of seven hostages freed in Gaza today are now in their custody.
In Hostages Square, crowds erupted in cheers as news of the release spread, according to Alice Cuddy reporting from Tel Aviv.
Hamas has published a list of 20 living hostages who are being released today; these individuals have been held captive in Gaza since the attacks on October 7, 2023.
In return for the hostages, Israel plans to release 250 Palestinian prisoners along with over 1,700 detainees. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Israel shortly before traveling to Egypt for a summit involving around 20 global leaders.
On his way to the region, Trump proclaimed that the “war is over” in Gaza, although further negotiations are still needed to finalize the next stages of the Israel-Hamas agreement.
(Inputs from BBC)
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