The last 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza have been released and reunited with their families, marking a pivotal step in the U.S.-brokered peace deal between Israel and Hamas. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel also released 250 Palestinian prisoners and another 1,700 Gazans detained since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023.

Scenes of relief and celebration unfolded across Israel on Monday as families embraced loved ones they had not seen in more than two years. Twenty-eight bodies of deceased hostages are believed to still remain in Gaza, with some remains expected to be returned later today.

All freed hostages underwent medical assessments upon their return, with several airlifted to hospital in Tel Aviv for further care.

In Gaza, limited humanitarian aid has begun to enter

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