CAIRO: The International Committee of the Red Cross said on Monday it had begun “a multi-phase operation” to oversee the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel in the key exchange of the breakthrough ceasefire after two years of war.

Israelis on Monday prepared to welcome home the last 20 living hostages from devastated Gaza and mourn the return of the dead.

Palestinians awaited the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump was arriving in the region along with other leaders to discuss the U.S.-proposed deal and postwar plans. A surge of humanitarian aid was expected into famine-stricken Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless.

While major questions remain about the future of Hamas and Gaza

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