JERUSALEM: Hamas released seven hostages into the custody of the Red Cross on Monday, the first to be released as part of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. There was no immediate information on their condition. Hamas has said 20 living hostages will be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross.

Israel’s military says it has completed first phase of withdrawal, ahead of Monday peace summit in Egypt

Israel and Hamas moved ahead on a key first step of the tenuous Gaza ceasefire agreement by freeing hostages and prisoners, raising hopes that the U.S.-brokered deal might lead to…