Israel Hamas Ceasefire LIVE: The International Committee of the Red Cross was heading to a location on Monday to pick up several hostages held by Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said, as reported by Reuters.
The Israeli military said others would be released later.
US President Donald Trump will visit Israel on Monday amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, in which he played a key role in mediating, which is entering its fourth day.
During his brief visit to Israel, Trump is expected to meet families of hostages and also address the Israeli parliament.
The expected release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners marks a tentative step forward in a conflict that has defied resolution for years.
Trump receives Israel's highest civilian award
“Through his tireless efforts, President Trump has not only helped bring our loved ones home, but also laid the foundation for a new era in the Middle East, built on security, cooperation and genuine hope for a peaceful future,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a statement from his office, AFP reported.
“It will be a great honor for me to present him with the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor.”
Trump will also receive Israel's highest civilian award. The Israeli presidential award is presented to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity, the presidency said, the report said.
“Top for Peace”
The presidents of the United States and Egypt will co-host a high-level “Summit for Peace” on Monday, aimed at building international support for ending the two-year war in Gaza following a landmark ceasefire.
Neither Israel nor Hamas – which are not in direct talks – are expected to attend. Israel has also ruled out any role for the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority in Gaza, although its leader will attend the summit.
Leaders from Turkey, Jordan, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, the United Nations and the European Union confirmed their presence.
A ceasefire between Israel and Gaza
The ceasefire, which took effect Friday, represents a significant step toward ending the two-year conflict sparked by Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostage.
Since then, the war has led to the deaths of about 67,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
While the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, it reports that about half of the dead were women and children.
About 90% of Gaza's two million residents have been displaced. Although the ministry operates under Hamas, the United Nations and many independent experts consider the casualty figures to be the most reliable available.
