Historic Ceasefire: Hostage Release Marks New Hope in Gaza

In a historic ceasefire breakthrough, Hamas has released seven hostages to the Red Cross amidst cheers from Israelis. This marks the beginning of the exchange for 20 hostages with 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The ceasefire follows intense international pressure, with a renewed focus on Gaza's future governance.

In a pivotal moment marked by hope and cautious optimism, Hamas has handed over seven hostages to the Red Cross, signaling the commencement of a significant prisoner exchange under a new ceasefire after two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Celebrations erupted in Israel as news of the hostages' release spread, with tens of thousands gathering across the nation to watch the historic event unfold. The exchange has sparked discussions on postwar reconstruction, with international leaders, including US President Trump, arriving in the region for talks.

This ceasefire represents a critical juncture in the Israel-Hamas relations, posing questions about Gaza's governance and reconstruction strategies, as well as the future role of the Palestinian Authority under Mahmoud Abbas.

(With inputs from agencies.)