URGENT: Ceasefire Plan Hangs in Balance as Hostage Release Sparks Tensions

Breaking News: Ceasefire Plan Hangs in Balance as Hostage Release Sparks Tensions Hamas has handed over all living hostages held in Gaza to Israel, marking a crucial step in the first phase of Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza. The release comes after a ceasefire took effect at 12:00 (09:00 GMT) on Friday. The Israeli military confirms that Hamas released 20 of the 48 confirmed living hostages, all but one of whom were abducted during the Palestinian group's attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This move is seen as a significant breakthrough in the fragile ceasefire plan. Background context shows that over two years of war have resulted in more than 67,000 deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza. The release of hostages marks a crucial step towards stabilizing the region. The next phase of negotiations is expected to focus on details of the latter phases of the peace plan. However, tensions remain high as some Israeli officials express concerns over the pace of progress. This is a developing story, with updates expected as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*