Pakistan, Oct. 13 -- Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages on Monday as part of a ceasefire agreement. The release took place in two phases and was overseen by the International Committee of the Red Cross. In the second phase, 13 hostages were transferred to Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Masked Hamas members escorted the hostages to Red Cross teams. The exchange signals progress toward ending two years of conflict.

At the same time, Israel began releasing Palestinian prisoners from its jails. According to reports, 38 buses carrying freed prisoners entered Gaza. This is the start of a larger release of 2,000 prisoners agreed under the peace deal. Crowds welcomed the buses in Gaza with visible celebrations. Short welcome ceremonies...