Hamas released seven Israeli hostages on Monday morning as part of the Gaza peace deal brokered by the Trump administration.

Why it matters: The Israeli hostages, most of them civilians, were held in captivity in Gaza for more than two years. Their release was a key Israeli and U.S. demand for ending the war. • The hostage release started shortly before President Trump landed in Israel, as part of a Middle East trip aimed at cementing his Gaza peace plan.

Driving the news: Hamas had to release all 20 of the live hostages by Monday at noon local time, according to the agreement. • Eventually, the first group of seven hostages was released shortly after 8am local time. The hostages were transferred by Hamas to the Red Cross, which will deliver them to Israeli forces inside Gaza. • Th

See Full Page