Hamas Takes First Step Towards Ceasefire Deal, Releases 7 Hostages to Red Cross

Hamas Releases 7 Hostages as Part of Gaza Ceasefire Deal In a significant development, Hamas has released seven hostages to the Red Cross, marking the first step towards a ceasefire deal brokered by President Donald Trump. The release comes as part of a broader agreement that includes the exchange of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel for the remaining 13 living hostages. Timeline and Details The Israeli military confirmed that the seven hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza, who then escorted them across the border into Israel. The hostages are currently undergoing an initial medical assessment at a reception point in southern Israel, where they will reunite with their families. According to the IDF, the hostages are expected to be reunited with their loved ones later today. Immediate Impact and Response The release of the seven hostages has been met with relief by the Israeli government and the families of the hostages. "This is a significant step towards a ceasefire deal," said an Israeli official. "We hope that this development will pave the way for further negotiations and a lasting peace agreement." The Red Cross has also welcomed the release, calling it a "positive step" towards resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Background Context The hostage situation has been ongoing since August 2025, with Hamas holding 20 living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The ceasefire deal brokered by President Trump aims to address the underlying issues driving the conflict and pave the way for a lasting peace agreement. What Happens Next The release of the seven hostages is seen as a crucial step towards implementing the ceasefire deal. With 13 remaining hostages still in captivity, negotiations between Hamas and Israel are expected to continue in the coming days. The international community will be closely watching developments on the ground, with many hoping that this breakthrough will lead to a lasting resolution to the conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the release of these seven hostages marks a significant moment in the complex and often fraught history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Forbes reporting.*