Ceasefire Deal : First set of Israeli hostages freed from Gaza

 Hamas has announced that a total of 20 living hostages will be released in exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, under the US-brokered ceasefire that has paused a two-year conflict between the sides. Families and friends of the hostages in Israel celebrated the news, with television broadcasts capturing scenes of joyous reunions.

 Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, relatives of Palestinian prisoners gathered near Ofer Prison in anticipation of the release of some 250 long-term detainees. Many of these prisoners have served sentences of up to four decades for offences including murder and attacks.

 The exchanges mark a significant step in the fragile ceasefire and offer cautious hope for a broader peace process. Aid is expected to flow into Gaza, which has faced severe humanitarian challenges during the conflict.

 US President Donald Trump is travelling to Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, address the Israeli parliament, and meet families of the freed hostages. He will then proceed to Egypt to attend a summit on Gaza’s reconstruction, where leaders from over 20 countries, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are expected to participate.

 The coordinated release of hostages and prisoners represents the first crucial phase of the ceasefire and is being closely watched internationally as a test of stability in the region.