First 7 Gaza hostages return to Israel; Trump arrives in Tel Aviv
Hundreds of people gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to witness the release of Israeli hostages following the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas. Relatives of the hostages have been advocating for their release at the square.
The Israeli military has shared images of some of the hostages who were freed from Hamas and received by the Israel Defense Forces. The pictures show Alon Ohel meeting Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip and twin brothers Gali and Ziv Berman embracing each other. Gali Berman and Guy Gilboa-Dala were also seen meeting Israeli soldiers in Gaza.
In addition to the Israeli hostages, the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees from Gaza, including 22 children, is expected soon. Reports suggest preparations are underway at Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank for the prisoners' release. The list of prisoners to be released, published by Israel's justice ministry, does not include seven high-profile names demanded by Hamas.
The first group of released hostages are reuniting with their families as US President Donald Trump arrives in Israel. Trump is scheduled to address the Knesset and meet with hostage families before attending the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh with other world leaders.
US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, lauds the UK's role in facilitating the ceasefire and hostage release, particularly praising National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. This contrasts with US Ambassador Mike Huckabee's remarks about the UK's involvement.
Red Cross vehicles have arrived at a handover site in Khan Younis to collect several hostages, marking the second group of hostages released by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomes Trump to Israel as the hostages continue to be released.
Inbar Goldstein, who lost family members in the October attacks, expresses gratitude and anticipation as hostages are being released, emphasizing the need for all hostages to return home before celebrating fully. Trump is set to receive the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor for his efforts in securing the release of hostages.
As the release of Israeli hostages progresses, Trump lands in Israel to begin his visit. Key figures greet him at Ben Gurion Airport, and the Israeli military confirms the return of the seven hostages to Israel. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum celebrates the return of the hostages and emphasizes the ongoing struggle until all hostages are located and returned.
Family and friends of Alon Ohel celebrate his release, with more hostages expected to be freed. While confirmation of their release is pending, images show some hostages communicating with loved ones via video call.