Hamas starts releasing Israeli hostages, Israel's state media reports

On Monday morning, Hamas began releasing the first batch of hostages held in Gaza for over two years, as part of a major prisoner swap under a newly implemented ceasefire, Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported.

The released hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross before being transferred to Israeli forces in Gaza.

Seven hostages were freed in the initial group, with the remaining 13 expected to be released later on Monday.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it was prepared to receive the hostages. A military helicopter landed at a base near the Gaza border, from where the hostages will be taken for medical checkups at hospitals in central Israel.

Red Cross vehicles also arrived at the Ofer Prison near Ramallah, from where about 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners are scheduled to be released later Monday as part of the swap.

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday morning, where he will address the Israeli parliament, meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and visit hostage families.

Following the visit, Trump is expected to depart for an international summit in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheik, aimed at consolidating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and advancing a broader Middle East process.