A significant development has unfolded in the Gaza Strip as all remaining living hostages held captive by Hamas have been freed after two years of war.
The release, facilitated by a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, saw 13 hostages escorted across the border by the Israeli military, following an earlier release of seven hostages.
As part of the agreement, Israel has begun releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences, as well as over 1,700 Palestinian detainees from Gaza held without charge since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office Director noted that the release marks a great day, with some prisoners who have been held for decades finally regaining freedom.
US President Donald Trump has arrived in Israel, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and addressing the Knesset.
Trump will later co-chair an international summit on Gaza’s future in Egypt, attended by leaders from over 20 countries.
Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid is also addressing the Israeli parliament, offering a safety net for Netanyahu to implement the deal despite opposition from right-wing ministers.
The release of Palestinian prisoners has not been without controversy, with the Israeli occupation reportedly trying to evade its obligations.
However, the Palestinian resistance insisted on confirming the names of prisoners to be released, ensuring some improvements to the lists, particularly for those detained from Gaza.
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