Palestinian militant group Hamas has released two Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, with a third expected to be transferred later. The hostages are part of a phased exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The father of the two youngest hostages, who were kidnapped by Hamas-led gunmen in 2023, was among those released. Hamas has stated that the boys and their mother were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but there has been no confirmation. Israel is expected to transfer 182 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in return. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has so far stayed on track despite some incidents that have led to accusations of violations from both sides.