(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Monday that France will actively participate in every stage of the Gaza ceasefire plan spearheaded by US President Donald Trump. Speaking via the social media platform X, Macron emphasized, "France will be involved in every stage of (US) President (Donald) Trump’s (Gaza ceasefire) plan, alongside the Arab partners it helped mobilize."

Macron also highlighted the crucial link between the hostage release and regional peace, stating, "peace becomes possible for Israel, for Gaza, and for the region."

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced Monday morning the commencement of releasing Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli army confirmed on X that seven hostages have been freed and are currently being escorted to Israel by military and Shin Bet security forces.

According to Israeli Channel 12, the hostages were handed over to ICRC teams for transfer.

On Wednesday, Trump unveiled a 20-point ceasefire plan agreed upon by Israel and Hamas, with the initial phase coming into effect Friday. This first phase centers on the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Phase two of the plan envisions establishing a new governing authority in Gaza that excludes Hamas, deploying a multinational peacekeeping force, and the disarmament of Hamas.

Since October 2023, Israeli strikes have claimed over 67,800 Palestinian lives in Gaza, predominantly women and children, leaving the region severely devastated and largely uninhabitable.

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