France, Oct. 13 -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday welcomed Hamas's release of the last 20 surviving Israeli hostages in Gaza, calling it a crucial first step in the ceasefire plan brokered by US President Donald Trump.Macron is in Egypt for a peace summit on Gaza.

"Peace becomes possible for Israel, for Gaza, and for the region," Macron said on X as the first hostages were handed to the Red Cross.

He added that he shared "the joy of the families and of the Israeli people".

Hamas released the hostages in two groups early on Monday - seven first, then 13 later in the morning.

The handover marks the start of the Gaza ceasefire plan negotiated with US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediation. As part of the deal, Israel has agreed to f...