Hamas frees all 20 hostages

As US prez declares 'the war is over' in first real pause in two years of relentless conflict in Gaza, Israelis and Palestinians erupt in joy

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Hamas on Monday released all 20 remaining living hostages in Gaza, a landmark move that marks the first real pause in two years of unrelenting war and offers a fragile hope for peace.

The hostages were released in two batches - seven early in the day, followed by thirteen a few hours later. The men, now in the custody of the International Committee of the Red Cross, were taken to an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) facility for medical and psychological evaluation before being reunited with their families.

As Israeli TV channels confirmed the safe transfer of the first group, crowds in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square erupted into cheers and tears. Public screenings drew tens of thousands of people who watched the emotional homecoming unfold live.

Among the first photos released by the government was one of 28-year-old twins, Gali and Ziv Berman, embracing after being held separately in captivity since the war began.