In a landmark moment following two years of conflict, seven Israeli hostages were released by Hamas on Monday morning and handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, initiating the first phase of a newly brokered truce between Israel and the militant group.

Among those freed were twins Gali and Ziv Berman (28), Matan Angrist (22), Omri Miran (48), Eitan Mor (25), Alon Ohel (24), and Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24). The individuals had been abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Their transfer to Red Cross custody sparked emotional scenes across Israel, with crowds in major cities erupting in applause as news broadcasts confirmed their safe handover.

The Israeli military confirmed the hostages were now being escorted by IDF and Shin Bet personnel. “The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel,” read an official statement, which also asked the public to respect the privacy of the individuals and follow only verified updates.

Once inside Israeli territory, the released hostages were brought to a military base in the south to reunite with their families. From there, helicopters transported them to medical facilities for evaluations.

Their release comes as part of a broader ceasefire agreement under which 20 Israeli captives are expected to be freed in exchange for the release of over 1,900 Palestinian detainees held by Israel. Of those, about 250 have been convicted of deadly attacks, while around 1,700 others were arrested in Gaza during the war, many without formal charges.

Palestinians gathered outside the Ofer Prison in the West Bank, awaiting the release of their loved ones. Some, like Jamil Jahalin from a Bedouin community near East Jerusalem, expressed mixed emotions. His brother-in-law is among those to be released after 23 years in prison, though the family has been informed he may be deported rather than allowed to return home.

The release of these first hostages signals a significant step in the implementation of the ceasefire, which has been described by many as fragile. Red Cross convoys are now preparing to receive the next group of 13 Israeli hostages, who include Evyatar David, Avinatan Or, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Nimrod Cohen, Bar Kuperstein, Yosef Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Rom Braslavski, and Alon Ohel.

Meanwhile, questions remain over the fate of up to 28 Israeli captives believed to have died in Gaza. If their remains are not returned promptly, an international coalition will step in to assist in locating and repatriating them, according to Israel’s coordinator for hostages and the missing, Gal Hirsch.

The Hostage Families Forum, a grassroots organisation representing relatives of the captives, welcomed the news but emphasised that all remaining hostages must be returned. Weekly demonstrations across Israel have kept pressure on the government since the war began, with protesters demanding action and accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of delay.

Amid these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Israel early Monday. His visit follows a diplomatic breakthrough attributed to U.S. mediation efforts. Trump’s aircraft flew over Hostages Square in Tel Aviv where thousands had gathered before touching down at Ben-Gurion Airport at 9:42 a.m. local time.

Trump is expected to meet with families of hostages and address the Knesset before continuing on to Egypt for a regional summit. He declared the conflict “over” and called the ceasefire and hostage deal a turning point. “President Trump made this breakthrough possible,” European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X, hailing the agreement as a “crucial milestone towards peace.”

On the ground in Israel, government officials prepared a warm welcome for the freed hostages. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that each individual would receive a personalised care package, including essential items, clothing, and electronic devices. Handwritten messages from Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu read: “On behalf of all the people of Israel, welcome back! We waited for you, hugging you.”

As the ceasefire takes hold, international aid efforts have accelerated. Hundreds of trucks carrying food and medical supplies are lined up at the Gaza-Egypt border, with Israeli authorities indicating up to 600 may enter daily in the coming days to address the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn enclave.

Despite the joy surrounding the initial releases, the situation remains fluid. Both sides are in the early stages of fulfilling their commitments, and observers warn that peace remains tentative. Still, for many Israeli families, the safe return of even a few loved ones marks the beginning of healing after years of uncertainty and grief.

President Isaac Herzog summed up the national mood, writing: “With thanks to God we welcome our loved ones. We are waiting for everyone every last one.”