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RE'IM/STOCKHOLM. 20 Israeli hostages are to come home – in return, almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are to be released.
During the morning, people flock to take part in what is described as a historic day.
– There are a lot of people there waving flags, dancing and listening to music, says Aftonbladet reporter Emil Forsberg.
Shortly before 10 a.m., all of the surviving hostages are believed to have been released.
Here the hostages arrive – the crowd cheers
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The Red Cross buses are in place. Above, three helicopters hover, which will fly the 20 who will be allowed to return home to Israel today after two years in captivity by Hamas.
At seven o'clock, the first seven were handed over to the Red Cross, writes Haaretz. Applause and cheers erupt in Hostage Square in Tel Aviv.
Barely three hours later, Hamas reportedly released the remaining 13 hostages, according to Israeli television.
A total of 20 hostages have been released this morning, which is believed to be all of those still alive.
At the military base in Re’im, people have gathered to welcome the hostages home.
– They cheer for every car that drives by, says Emil Forsberg, Aftonbladet's reporter on site.
Lily P from New York is one of those who is there.
– This is a historic moment in Israel. You have to be here to really understand what is happening here and how important this is, she tells Aftonbladet's team on site.
– This is what started the war, and hopefully this is how it will end.
The hostages' families are also waiting there. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara have left a greeting and a welcome package for the hostages.
"On behalf of the entire people of Israel, welcome back. We have been waiting for you. We welcome you," a handwritten message reads.
US President Donald Trump landed at Ben Gurion Airport at 8:45 a.m. He is expected to give a speech in Jerusalem before heading to the summit in Egypt.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian prisoners to be released in the exchange have begun boarding buses during the morning, a source told Reuters.
The text is updated.
Israel awaits return of hostages
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