First group of hostages handed over to the Red Cross as the ceasefire agreement takes effect
Hamas has officially started releasing Israeli hostages in Gaza under the newly implemented ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. According to reports, seven hostages were handed over to the delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross. The next group is expected to be released around 10:00 a.m. in the city of Khan Yunis.
The first group of released hostages has been identified as Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Eitan Mor, and Omri Miran. Their release is part of a larger deal involving the gradual release of 20 Israeli hostages from three different locations: Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Yunis.
In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered to watch the live broadcast of the prisoner exchange on large screens. The moment the Red Cross convoy crossed into Israeli territory was met with cheers and emotional reactions from families and supporters.
Hamas also released the list of the remaining 13 hostages scheduled for release. These include Elkana Bohbot, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Evyatar David, Rom Braslavski, Segev Kalfon, Nimrod Cohen, Maxim Herkin, Matan Zangauker, Bar Kupershtein, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, and Eitan Mor.
The military wing of Hamas, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, stated that as long as Israel adheres to the agreement, they will follow the timeline and terms as well. Their statement described the ceasefire and hostage exchange as a direct result of Palestinian resistance and determination.
They also emphasized that despite Israel’s military power and intelligence capabilities, it failed to retrieve the hostages through force, eventually agreeing to negotiations.
The ceasefire came after an announcement by Donald Trump on October 9, confirming that both Israel and Hamas had approved the first stage of the plan during talks in Egypt. Following the official signing of the agreement, the ceasefire took effect at noon on October 10 after the Israeli army withdrew to the “yellow line” as agreed.
This marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict. Since the start of the war on October 8, 2023, Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip have killed 67,682 people and injured 170,033.
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Hamas has begun releasing Israeli hostages to the Red Cross as part of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Seven hostages were freed in the first stage, with more scheduled to be released later today.
