Hamas has released all 20 living hostages as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal with Israel, marking a major step toward ending a two-year war that devastated the Gaza Strip and claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.

The hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross on Monday and later transferred to Israel, where they were reunited with their families and taken to hospitals for evaluation. Israeli officials confirmed the safe return of the final group, which included seven individuals released later in the day.

In return, Israel began releasing over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and allowing increased humanitarian aid into Gaza. Crowds gathered outside Ofer Prison in the West Bank in anticipation of the prisoner releases, though Israeli forces reportedly used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the gatherings.

The ceasefire deal coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Israel and Egypt. Trump declared the war between Israel and Hamas “officially over” and was celebrated for his role in brokering the agreement. Both Israel and Egypt announced plans to award Trump their highest civilian honors for his efforts.

The ceasefire has also led to renewed international diplomatic engagement, with world leaders gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh to discuss postwar reconstruction, governance in Gaza, and long-term regional peace efforts.

While the agreement marks a hopeful shift, unresolved issues remain, including Hamas’ future role in Gaza and security arrangements in the region.