Israel and Hamas took a significant step Monday in the ceasefire agreement for the Gaza war by releasing hostages and prisoners. Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza, while Israel released some 1,900 Palestinian prisoners as part of a ceasefire pausing two years of war that destroyed the territory.

The Associated Press reported that the hostages, all men, returned to Israel, where they will reunite with their families. The bodies of the remaining 28 dead hostages are also expected to be handed over as part of the deal.

Buses transporting dozens of freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah and in the Gaza Strip, as Israel began releasing prisoners and detainees as part of the ceasefire deal, according to the AP.

Cheering crowds met the

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