Gaza truce sees breakthrough with Hamas releasing 7 hostages to Red Cross

Israel confirmed on Sunday that Hamas released the first batch of seven hostages to the International Red Cross in northern Gaza. The handover marked the first breakthrough under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The agreement also includes the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where famine and destruction have devastated lives.

The ceasefire comes after two years of war that left Gaza in ruins and Israel under pressure from families of hostages. Last week, both sides agreed to the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan during indirect talks in Egypt. Qatar and Turkey also played key mediation roles.

President Trump is aboard Air Force One and will arrive in Israel on Monday morning. According to the White House, he will meet families of the freed hostages and address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. Later, he will travel to Egypt to co-chair a global peace summit alongside regional and international leaders. The summit will mark the ceasefire signing and push for a longer-term peace roadmap.

In Gaza, the truce has allowed thousands of displaced Palestinians to return home. However, most of them are returning to rubble. Israeli forces have pulled back to a designated “yellow line,” creating a buffer for humanitarian movement. Armed police in Gaza City and southern areas are securing aid trucks and maintaining order. The first convoys carrying food, medicine, and fuel began entering the enclave late Sunday.

Israeli officials released the names of the seven hostages freed by Hamas: Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Eitan Abraham Mor, Omri Miran, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. The hostages had been held in Gaza for more than two years.

Guy Gilboa-Dalal’s father told Israeli media that his son was safe. “He was handed over to the Red Cross and will reach the IDF in 15 minutes,” he said, expressing relief after years of uncertainty.

As calm slowly returns, the focus shifts to the next phase of the peace plan. Israel expects Hamas to release more hostages, while Palestinians hope for a large-scale prisoner exchange and sustained aid flow. The ceasefire offers a fragile opening — a moment of cautious optimism after years of violence and loss in Gaza and Israel alike.