Hamas hands over first seven hostages in Gaza ceasefire

Hamas has released seven hostages into the custody of the Red Cross, the first to be released as part of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

There was no immediate information on their condition.

Hamas has said 20 living hostages would be exchanged for more than 1900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers on Monday as Israeli television channels announced the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross.

Tens of thousands of Israelis are watching the transfers at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv.

US President Donald Trump was arriving in the region along with other leaders to discuss the US-proposed deal and postwar plans.

A surge of humanitarian aid was expected into famine-stricken Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless.

While major questions remain about the future of Hamas and Gaza, the exchange of hostages and prisoners marked a key step towards ending the deadliest war ever between Israel and the militant group.

Major Israeli TV stations aired special overnight broadcasts before the hostages’ release as anticipation grew.

People began to gather near a large screen in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv before dawn.

The hostages’ return caps a painful chapter for Israel.

Since they were captured in the October 2023 Hamas attack that ignited the war, newscasts have marked their days in captivity and Israelis have worn yellow pins and ribbons in solidarity.

Tens of thousands have joined their families in weekly demonstrations calling for their release.

As the war dragged on, demonstrators accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of dragging his feet for political purposes, even as he accused Hamas of intransigence.

Last week, under heavy international pressure and increasing isolation for Israel, the bitter enemies agreed to the ceasefire.

The hostages will be handed to the Red Cross and then to the Israeli military, which will take them to the Reim military base to be reunited with families.

It is unlikely that the remains of up to 28 other hostages will be returned at the same time.

An international task force would work to find dead hostages who were not returned within 72 hours, said Gal Hirsch, Israel’s co-ordinator for the hostages and the missing.

The timing has not been announced for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

They include 250 people serving life sentences for convictions in attacks on Israelis, as well as 1700 seized from Gaza during the war and held without charge.

The war began when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which some 1200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage.

In Israel’s ensuing offensive, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The war has destroyed large swaths of Gaza and displaced about 90 per cent of its two million residents.

It has also triggered other conflicts in the region, sparked worldwide protests and led to allegations of genocide that Israel denies.