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Hamas Frees Final Israeli Hostages in U.S.-Brokered Deal as Israel Releases 2,000 Palestinian Prisoners, Ending Gaza War (Video)

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In a dramatic breakthrough, Hamas on Monday released the last 20 remaining living Israeli hostages held in Gaza for over two years, in exchange for Israel’s release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.

The handover was conducted under Red Cross supervision. The freed Israelis, many visibly emotional and weakened by captivity, were greeted by cheering crowds in Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square” and elsewhere.  Israel also received four coffins containing the remains of hostages who died in captivity.

In return, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners. Among them were more than 1,700 individuals held from Gaza without formal charges, and roughly 250 convicted of violent acts or attacks on Israelis.  Many arrivals were greeted by cheering crowds in Gaza and the West Bank, waving keffiyehs and holding “welcome home” signs.

The prisoner release left some 1,300 Palestinians from Gaza still in Israeli detention, according to human rights monitors. The Israeli government, citing security concerns, excluded prominent figures such as Marwan Barghouti.

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U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped mediate the deal alongside Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, declared the war over and signed documents with regional leaders in Egypt. The truce agreement calls for Israel to withdraw forces from many parts of Gaza, allow humanitarian access, and resume talks on Gaza’s postwar governance.

But major hurdles remain. Both sides disagree over how Gaza should be governed, the disarmament of Hamas, and the long-term status of territory and security.  Analysts say the ceasefire is fragile, with clusters of tension still active and mutual distrust deep.

As families in Israel and Palestine mourn, heal, and celebrate, the region’s next chapters remain uncertain.


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