DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza on Monday, as part of a ceasefire pausing two years of war that pummeled the territory, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, and had left scores of captives in militant hands.
Palestinians, meanwhile, awaited the release of more than 1,900 of prisoners held by Israel, with the first two buses leaving Ofer Prison in the early afternoon.
The 20 hostages, all men, arrived back Israel, where they will reunite with their families and undergo medical checks.
The bodies of the remaining 28 dead hostages are also expected to be handed over as part of the deal, although the exact timing remained unclear, AP reported.
The exchange of hostages and prisoners raised hopes for ending the deadliest war ever between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire is also expected to be accompanied by a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, parts of which are experiencing famine.
US President Donald Trump arrived in the region, where he plans to discuss the US-proposed deal and postwar plans with other leaders.
