German Jewish leader: 'Reason to rejoice' after release of hostages

The return of 20 living hostages to Israel, including four German nationals, is a "reason to rejoice," a leader of Germany's Jewish community said on Monday.

"We are especially happy about the four German citizens who can return home," said Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

The comments came after the 20 captives were freed by the Palestinian militant group Hamas under the terms of a US-brokered peace plan.

The bodies of 28 other hostages are also due to be returned to Israel under the terms of the plan, but it is unclear when Hamas will be able to deliver them.

Schuster said "three German citizens" are "apparently" among the dead hostages, calling for them to be mourned.

He also warned that "despite all the joy, this day certainly does not mean a return to normality."

"Israel is still acutely threatened by the enemies in its neighbourhood," said Schuster.

The release of the hostages must be followed by the next phases of US President Donald Trump's peace plan, he said, arguing that Hamas must be disarmed and removed from power.

Schuster also appealed for politicians to crack down on anti-Semitism in Germany.

"For far too long, hatred of Jews disguised as 'pro-Palestinian' has been allowed to manifest itself more and more openly on German streets, only poorly disguised as criticism of the actions of the Israeli state in the fight against the terror of Hamas," he said.

German politicians have widely praised the release of the hostages on Monday, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz describing it as "the beginning of healing and a step on the road to peace in the Middle East."