Hamas has commenced the handover of Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel, mediated with international involvement. The first group seven of the 20 surviving hostages were released and transferred via the Red Cross.
This development marks a significant milestone in efforts to end the conflict that has persisted since October 2023. Under the agreement, 28 bodies of deceased enroute hostages are also set to be returned.
Israel has agreed in turn to release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners in the deal, reinforcing the reciprocal nature of the hostages-prisoners exchange arrangement.
Lens News gathered that, the hostage handovers occurred as U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel. He has played a key role in brokering the agreement, which involves additional international mediation from countries including Egypt and Qatar.
Among the released hostages are Matan Engerst, Guy Gilboa Dalal, Alon Ohel, Gali and Zivi Berman, Eitan Mor, and Omari Moran. They were reunited with family members at the Re’im reception point near the Gaza border.
While the release is a welcome start, the process is only beginning. The remaining 13 living hostages and other bodies are expected to be handed over in the coming days, as stipulated in the first phase of the agreement.
The agreement is widely seen as a breakthrough in a war that has caused massive loss of life, displacement, and destruction, especially in Gaza. Humanitarian observers and international stakeholders have welcomed the move, while many warn that sustained peace will depend on full implementation and continued diplomatic pressure.
