Hamas releases 7 Israeli hostages

The International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, has confirmed the release of seven Israeli hostages from Gaza, marking the beginning of the implementation of a US-brokered ceasefire deal.

Under the agreement, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israel are also expected to be freed in the first phase of the exchange.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is heading to Israel, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and address the Israeli parliament. He will also meet with some of the families of the freed hostages.

In a post on X, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said: “According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to a meeting point in northern Gaza where several hostages will be transferred into their custody. The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.”