US President Donald Trump is giving a speech to the Israeli parliament, following the release of hostages by Hamas.
At the beginning of his speech, Trump said that " this is the historic dawn for a new Middle East ."
Donald Trump: After two years of horror, darkness and captivity, 20 brave hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families.
Israel confirmed this morning that seven of the people abducted by Israel had been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
A total of 20 hostages are expected to be released during the day. After being handed over to the ICRC, the released hostages will be transferred to Israeli forces inside the Gaza Strip.
In Israel, reports of the release of the first hostages held by Islamist Hamas in the Gaza Strip have caused immense relief and joy.
Thousands of people gathered in Hostage Square in central Tel Aviv erupted in celebration this morning. However, the Israeli military does not believe that Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization by many countries, will be able to hand over all 28 dead hostages within the agreed 72-hour ceasefire.
The ceasefire took effect on Friday as part of a peace plan brokered by US President Donald Trump. In exchange for the hostages, Israel will free about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners – including up to 250 who have been sentenced to life imprisonment.