Gaza (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hamas released some of its remaining Israeli hostages on Monday, marking an important step toward ending two years of intense conflict in Gaza. This occurred as part of a ceasefire agreement backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived in Israel to speak before the parliament.
The planned exchange occurs three days after the Israeli government approved the initial phase of a deal to end the Gaza conflict, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel ahead of a summit in Egypt. Trump, who led the effort, is now in Israel.
How many Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas?
Hundreds of cheering people gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square as Israel’s military announced it had received the first seven of 20 surviving hostages after their transfer from Gaza by the Red Cross.
Israeli media have named the first seven captives released: Matan Angrest, brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. The group has entered Israeli territory and will soon reunite with their families at Re’im military base in southern Israel.
According to the IDF, personnel from the Israel Defense Forces’ Manpower Directorate and medical teams will accompany the hostages. The freed captives will first receive a medical check and then reunite with their families at the initial reception point in southern Israel.
The remaining 13 confirmed living hostages, along with the bodies of 26 deceased hostages and two others whose status is uncertain, are also expected to be released on Monday, together with nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and convict prisoners.
How significant is Trump’s visit to Israel at this stage?
US President Donald Trump has arrived in Israel, where he will speak to the Knesset and co-chair a summit in Egypt regarding the deal. Trump received a warm reception from Israel’s highest officials, including Herzog and Netanyahu, upon disembarking from Air Force One at Ben Gurion Airport.
Which world leaders will attend the Sharm el-Sheikh meeting?
The Gaza summit set for Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh will be co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Over a dozen world leaders are expected to attend, such as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
