Hamas Releases Final Israeli Hostages Amid Ceasefire Agreement

Hamas released the final 20 living Israeli hostages from Gaza on Monday, marking a significant step in the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. In return, Israel is expected to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners later in the day.

The hostages, all men primarily in their 20s and 30s, were initially handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being transferred to the Israeli military. They are currently undergoing medical evaluations in Tel Aviv-area hospitals.

Israeli television broadcasted a video call between Einav Zangauker and her son, Matan Zangauker, 25, shortly after his release. "There's no war, it's over. You are coming home," she told him.

The release has sparked celebrations across Israel, with tens of thousands gathering in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and expressing joy over the hostages' return.

Hamas is also required to return the bodies of 28 deceased hostages. However, the group has indicated challenges in locating all the bodies due to the destruction in Gaza.

President Donald Trump arrived in Israel to mark the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. He is scheduled to meet with families of the hostages and address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem.

As part of the ceasefire terms, Israel has begun releasing Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The exchange of hostages and prisoners is seen as a critical test of the ceasefire's durability, with both sides fulfilling key demands.

Despite these developments, challenges remain. Israeli troops continue to occupy parts of Gaza without a clear timeline for withdrawal. The ceasefire also stipulates that Hamas relinquish its weapons and abstain from governing Gaza, conditions that Hamas has not publicly agreed to.

Humanitarian aid is beginning to flow into Gaza, addressing critical shortages of food, water, medicine, fuel, and shelter. Hundreds of aid trucks entered southern Gaza from Egypt on Sunday, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.