Hamas releases two Israeli hostages in public ceremony in Gaza
Hamas released two Israeli hostages in a public ceremony in Rafah, marking the seventh exchange during the Gaza ceasefire. The hostages appeared dazed and were handed over to the Red Cross amid a display of armed militants and supportive crowds. Hamas plans to release four more hostages later in the day. The ceremony featured staged elements, including liberation certificates and a show of strength from Hamas fighters, with weapons displayed prominently. Currently, 65 hostages from the October 7 attack remain in Gaza, with 35 confirmed dead by the Israeli military. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and the complexities of the hostage crisis.