JERUSALEM — Hamas handed over the first seven of 20 surviving Israeli hostages today, a key step in ending two years of ruinous war in Gaza under a ceasefire deal engineered by US President Donald Trump, who landed in Israel to address its parliament.

As thousands of people cheered, hugged and wept in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, Israel’s military said it had received seven living hostages after their transfer out of the Gaza Strip by the Red Cross.

“I am so excited. I am full of happiness. It’s hard to imagine how I feel this moment. I didn’t sleep all night,” said Viki Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, as she travelled to Reim, an Israeli military camp where the hostages will be transferred.

The military said the Red Cross was en route to receive more of the remaining 13 confirmed living hostages, who were all expected to be released today. Bodies of some of the 28 dead hostages, and another two whose fate is unknown, will also be released today, along with nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and convicted prisoners held in Israel.