Tel Aviv [Israel]: As Israel anticipated the release of hostages under a US-brokered truce, a Donald Trump lookalike captured the spotlight in Tel Aviv, amusing the crowd with his uncanny imitation of the US president.

The doppelganger quipped, “you have the credit, but I made it happen. Let’s make it clear. Thank you, I love you,” before leading chants of “thank you Trump,” drawing laughter and applause from onlookers.

First hostages freed amid cheers

Meanwhile, Hamas handed over the first seven of 20 surviving Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives in Gaza on Monday. The news sparked jubilant scenes in Tel Aviv, where crowds gathered in Hostages Square and towns near the Gaza border to support the families of the captives.

Crowds waved Israeli flags and held up photos of loved ones, with family members describing the moment as one of "overwhelming relief and disbelief" after nearly two years of uncertainty.

Gradual release planned

While seven hostages have been freed so far, Israel expects the full group of 20 living captives to be released gradually throughout the day under Red Cross supervision. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by US President Donald Trump after two years of conflict, stipulates that Hamas will release all surviving hostages on Monday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

“According to information provided by the Red Cross, seven hostages have been transferred into their custody, and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli military and security service confirmed. “The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.”

Background: Hostage crisis and ceasefire

On October 7, 2023, militants seized 251 hostages during Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,219 deaths, predominantly civilians. Most hostages have been freed in previous truces, leaving 47 still in captivity. Families of those remaining have lived under constant worry for nearly two years.

The ceasefire has also brought relief to war-torn Gaza, though reconstruction and recovery remain a major challenge in the conflict-ravaged territory.

Trump to celebrate ceasefire

Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump has landed in Israel on Monday to mark the US-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. He has described the agreement as effectively ending the war and opening the door for a durable peace in the Middle East.

“The war is over, OK?” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “I think people are tired of it,” adding that he believes the ceasefire will hold. The president credited his administration’s support of Israel in targeting Iranian proxies, including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as key to creating conditions for the truce.

(With inputs from ANI)