India, Oct. 13 -- Hamas is set to release dozens of hostages it has held in Gaza for nearly two years, under a major prisoner exchange deal tied to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. In return, Israel is expected to release almost 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners.

Of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, Israeli authorities believe around 20 are still alive. Their faces have become national symbols - staring down from street corners, broadcast nightly on the news, and held aloft at weekly protests demanding their return.

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The hostages were taken during Hamas' terror attack on October 7, 2023, when terrorists stormed southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others. That...