First Hostages Handed to Red Cross in Gaza

[SunSeeker]

Source: Wall Street Journal

The first group of a total of 20 hostages still alive were handed to the Red Cross in Gaza, according to the Israeli state broadcaster. The full release into Israeli hands is a requirement of the current cease-fire and a step that could push forward President Trump's broader proposal to end the war and rebuild the enclave. Following the release, Israel and Hamas are expected to begin negotiating a peace deal that would force the U.S.-designated terrorist group to disarm and give up power in Gaza.

Here's what else to know:

•The hostages were among about 251 people kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, when the group launched an assault on Israel that left around 1,200 people killed.

•A cease-fire in Gaza went into effect Friday and aid has resumed flowing into the enclave.

•A host of details still need to be resolved in a subsequent phase of the agreement, including how the Gaza enclave is to be governed.

•"The war is over," President Trump said as he traveled on Air Force One to the region to address Israel's parliament Monday. He is then set to attend a summit in Egypt aimed at spurring momentum for the broader plan.



Read more: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-gaza-hostage-peace-deal?mod=mhp

---

Under Biden, 148 hostages were returned alive to Israel -140 were released and eight were rescued by the Israeli military. Biden helped negotiate the releases, but did not take credit for them like Trump is doing, as is his way.

After the hostage release comes the hard part of the proposed peace plan: getting Hamas to disarm and give up power in Gaza. Hamas has always refused to disarm and give up power in Gaza.