The long-awaited exchange of captives between Israel and Hamas began on Monday under international supervision, marking a critical test for the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
The Red Cross has started facilitating the transfer of hostages, while Israel prepares to release thousands of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas published the names of 20 Israeli captives set for release, including twin siblings Gali and Ziv Berman, along with several soldiers such as Nimrod Cohen and Matan Zangauker.
The group also revealed a list of 1,718 Palestinian prisoners and detainees to be freed, slightly fewer than the previously agreed figure of 1,722. The adjustments were made by Israel’s government over the weekend, which replaced minors detained during the war with two women prisoners.
The exchange, supervised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), began at a northern Gaza meeting point. Several vehicles were already positioned outside Israel’s Ofer Prison to transport Palestinian prisoners to Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Israel expects all living captives by Monday
Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian confirmed that all 20 living captives were expected to return home early Monday.
After medical checks at an Israeli military base inside Gaza, the hostages will reunite with their families. Israel will also repatriate the bodies of 28 captives confirmed to have died in captivity, she added.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing mounting domestic criticism, called the exchange “an emotional moment of unity.”
“Tomorrow, our children will return to our borders,” Netanyahu said in a televised address. “It is the beginning of rebuilding and healing.”
Trump declares ‘war is over’ during Israel visit
The exchange coincides with a high-profile visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, who led the mediation effort between Israel, Hamas, and Qatar.
Departing Washington on Sunday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that “the war is over” and praised Qatar’s role in securing the ceasefire.
Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman due to the network’s ban in Israel, described the event as “Trump’s show.” The U.S. president is expected to meet families of hostages, address the Knesset, and attend a summit in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh with over 20 world leaders.
Ceasefire brings fragile calm to Gaza
Israeli troops have withdrawn from parts of northern Gaza, including Gaza City, though they retain control over more than half of the enclave.
Residents returning to their neighborhoods found widespread destruction. Al Jazeera’s Ibrahim al-Khalili reported scenes of “wastelands” where entire communities once stood.
Humanitarian aid has started entering Gaza, with dozens of trucks arriving Sunday. But relief agencies warn that distribution remains slow and inadequate for the millions enduring months of deprivation.
