DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip: Two Red Cross buses carrying Palestinian prisoners being released as part of Monday’s exchange began leaving Ofer Prison as Israel’s military said that all of the living hostages once held by Hamas had returned to Israel.

The military made the announcement after the final group of 13 crossed the border.

Their return was a key part of the Israel-Hamas war ceasefire now being marked by a visit to Israel and Egypt by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Israel is due to release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal.

Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza on Monday, as part of a ceasefire pausing two years of war that pummeled the territory, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, and had left scores of captives in militant hands.

The bodies of the remaining 28 dead hostages are also expected to be handed over as part of the deal, although the exact timing remained unclear.

Families and friends of the hostages who gathered in a square in Tel Aviv broke into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross. Tens of thousands of Israelis watched the transfers at public screenings across the country.

Later, Israel released the first photos of hostages arriving home. Among them was a photo of Gali and Ziv Berman with expressions of disbelief as they reunited with each other. Hostages previously released said the 28-year-old twins from Kfar Aza were held separately.

In the initial photos, those released appeared less gaunt than some of the hostages freed in January.

Palestinians, meanwhile, awaited the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel. In the West Bank, an armored vehicle flying an Israeli flag fired tear gas and rubber bullets at a crowd waiting near Ofer Prison. As drones buzzed overhead, the group scattered.

The tear gas followed the circulation of a flier warning that anyone supporting what it called “terrorist organizations” risked arrest. Israel’s military did not respond to questions about the flier, which The Associated Press obtained on site.

While major questions remain about the future of Hamas and Gaza, the exchange of hostages and prisoners raised hopes for ending the deadliest war ever between Israel and the militant group.

The ceasefire is also expected to be accompanied by a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, parts of which are experiencing famine.

Agencies