The final Israeli hostages are being returned from Gaza today as the first phase of the peace agreement brokered by President Donald Trump gets underway.
The captives have been held by Hamas militants since October 7, 2023, when the terror group launched a brutal attack in southern Israel, massacring more than 1,200 people and abducting a further 251.
Since then, Israel launched a devastating retaliatory military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which Hamas claims has killed an estimated 68,000 people.
The politically-supercharged war which followed has sparked protests around the world - including on the streets of Western capitals, several of whose governments have gone on to recognise a Palestinian state.
In exchange for the return of the captives, an estimated 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israel are set to be freed, alongside a further 1,700 Gazans who were detained by Israeli authorities.
Some of the prisoners due to be released include high-profile figures convicted of involvement deadly terror attacks against Israeli citizens, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat.
Out of the 48 hostages still being held, only 20 are believed to be alive.
FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY…
US special envoy steps in to cool Bridget Phillipson row - heaps praise on Britain and... Jonathan Powell
US special envoy Steve Witkoff appears to have stepped in to cool a row over Bridget Phillipson's claims about Britain's role in the Gaza peace deal.
In a glowing message, including named praise for Sir Keir Starmer's National Security Advisor at the centre of the China spy row, Mr Witkoff has just said: "I would like to acknowledge the vital role of the United Kingdom in assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel.
"In particular, I want to recognise the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell."
BREAKING: First seven hostages now back in IDF custody
Reuters now reports that the first seven hostages given to the Red Cross are now back in Israeli military custody.
It's the first time back in their home country's hands for these seven since October 7, 2023.
Israeli hostage at centre of Greta Thunberg mistaken identity row set for release later today
We are still expecting Israeli hostage Evyatar David to be released later this morning.
Mr David was kidnapped from Nova music festival in southern Israel by Hamas militants on October 7.
A video of the 24-year-old in captivity was posted by the terror group which sparked fury across Israel.
In the disturbing footage, the Israeli hostage can be seen in a severely emaciated state and being forced to dig his own grave.
Mr David could BE heard saying “I haven't eaten for days... I barely got drinking water.”
Last week, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was branded “a liar” and a “joke” after she shared images of a "Palestinian prisoner" - which were actually of Mr David.
Hamas now confirms handover - as chilling images of masked militants emerge from Gaza
PICTURED: Palestinian militants stand guard on the day that hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 attack are handed over
|REUTERS
Hamas has now confirmed the initial handover of seven hostages to the Red Cross - just as images of columns of militants in Gaza are being released.
Robert Jenrick: 'Two years of hell' at an end for freed hostages
Leading the reaction to this morning's news has been Britain's Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick.
"The freeing of the remaining hostages is the best news," he said. They've endured two years of hell in the barbarous hands of Hamas.
"I'm praying for the families of those hostages that will never return - for whom today will be bittersweet. May their memories be a blessing."
Confirmed: Seven hostages now in Red Cross's hands
Hamas handed over seven Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza, an official involved in the operation has now said.
In Tel Aviv's Hostage Square, raucous cheers were seen erupting as the handovers were confirmed.
Hamas agreed not to broadcast images of hostage handovers as part of deal
Hamas and Israel have agreed not to broadcast images of any hostage handovers out of respect for detainees' dignity.
In the past, the terror group had scupped ceasefire deals through its "humiliation rituals" towards Israelis.
In February this year, Israel delayed the release of more than 600 Palestinians in return for six living and four dead hostages who had been freed, accusing Hamas of "humiliating" handover ceremonies.
BREAKING: First seven hostages given to Red Cross - reports
The first seven Israeli hostages have been handed over to the Red Cross just now, Israeli media reports.
'Welcome back!' Benjamin Netanyahu's hand-written note to freed hostages - REVEALED
The hand-written notes given to today's freed hostages from Benjamin Netanyahu have been revealed
|X/ISRAELIPM
The hand-written notes given to today's freed hostages from Benjamin Netanyahu have been revealed.
The notes read: "On behalf of the entire people of Israel, welcome back! We have been waiting for you. We embrace you. Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu."
Red Cross convoy in place in Gaza City
The first Red Cross convoy is in place in Gaza City, an official involved in the handover proceedings has just told Reuters.
Israeli and Arab media are now reporting between six to nine Israelis are set to be released in the first wave of exchanges.
READ IN FULL: List of 20 Israeli hostages set to be released
- Bar Kupershtein
- Evyatar David
- Yosef-Chaim Ohana
- Segev Kalfon
- Avinatan Or
- Elkana Bohbot
- Maxim Herkin
- Nimrod Cohen
- Matan Zangauker
- David Cunio
- Eitan Horn
- Matan Angrest
- Eitan Mor
- Gali Berman
- Ziv Berman
- Omri Miran
- Alon Ohel
- Guy Gilboa-Dalal
- Rom Braslabski
- Ariel Konio
POLL OF THE DAY: Do you believe Keir Starmer deserves any credit for peace in Gaza?
With a peace deal signing ceremony set for this afternoon in Egypt, GB News is asking members: Do you believe Keir Starmer deserves any credit for peace in Gaza?
Keir Starmer absent from gigantic 'thank you' banner on Tel Aviv beach
Sir Keir Starmer is absent from a giant 'thank you' banner which has been unfurled on Tel Aviv beach
|REUTERS
Despite Bridget Phillipson's claims that Britain played a "key role" in peace proceedings, Sir Keir Starmer is absent from a giant "thank you" banner which has been unfurled on Tel Aviv beach.
The banner features a huge silhouette of Donald Trump, alongside the words "thank you" and "home".
Hostage release just minutes away - Israel confirms Red Cross on its way to transfer point
Israel's military has said the Red Cross is making its way to a meeting point in northern Gaza where it will collect a series of hostages.
We're still expecting a 6am start - so a release could be just minutes away.
Israel shows off its biggest scalps after two years of fighting
PICTURED: Security officials stand guard outside the Israeli military prison, Ofer
|REUTERS
Israel has unfurled posters boasting of the country's biggest scalps in its two-year war against Hamas.
Among the mugshots of the dead include Hezbollah boss Hassan Nasrallah (killed in September 2024), Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (killed in July 2024) and his successor Yahya Sinwar (killed in October 2024).
Red Cross vehicles in position ahead of 6am hostage release
PICTURED;
|REUTERS
WATCH LIVE: Views from Gaza City and Tel Aviv ahead of hostage release
You can follow our live stream from Gaza City ahead of this morning's hostage release on GBN 2 LIVE HERE.
You can also follow our live strweam from Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where expectant crowds are gathered, at the video player at the top of this page.
We're expecting the first hostages to be released from 6am - and you can follow our live blog for updates as and when we get them.
Keir Starmer to declare 'phase 2' in Gaza - but Middle East trip overshadowed by minister's 'delusional' peace claims
Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce Britain's role in the second phase of rebuilding Gaza during his trip to the Middle East - which has already been overshadowed by a backlash to his own ministers' claims.
The Prime Minister will be in attendance at the "signing ceremony" in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, where he is expected to call it the "first, crucial phase” to ending the conflict.
Sir Keir will also urge leaders to ensure the second phase is delivered "in full"...
IDF declares victory ahead of 'Operation Returning Home'
Last night, Israel's Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir released the following statement ahead of Monday's hostage release.
"The IDF is now launching Operation 'Returning Home' to return our hostages from Hamas captivity.
"In a few hours we will all be reunited - one people, embraced and united.
"The military pressure we applied over the past two years, together with the complementary diplomatic measures, constitute a victory over Hamas.
"We will continue to act in order to shape a security reality that ensures the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to the State of Israel and its civilians."
What are we expecting on Monday morning?
An Israeli military official has outlined the rough plan of today's transfer of hostages - set to begin at around 6am BST on Monday morning.
They revealed that the process will follow the same procedure as a similar operation earlier this year, which went as follows:
- Hostages are transferred by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to a special IDF squad;
- The IDF squad will then bring them to the Re'im military base in southern Israel;
- Family members will be waiting for the hostages at reception points;
- They will then travel with them to hospitals by helicopter, where they will receive further treatment.
"In case of urgent medical needs, the evacuation will be carried out directly to the hospital without stopping at the [reception] compound," the official told the BBC.
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