The International Red Cross has taken custody of the first group of hostages that Hamas has freed. They are being escorted to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security teams in the Gaza Strip, the army said on Monday.
The seven survivors are Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor and Guy Gilboa‑Dallal. The IDF confirmed that the Red Cross has handed the hostages over and that they are on their way to security forces.
Israel’s Air Force also said it has finished preparations to receive hostages returning from Gaza. The second group of captives is scheduled to be released at 10:00 a.m. local time.
Across Israel, thousands of people gathered at the Nova site—where Hamas killed several Israelis and took many hostages on Oct. 7—to attend special holiday prayer services.
Earlier, Hamas announced that it would release 20 “living Israeli captives” in the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner‑exchange deal. The Al‑Qassam Brigades said the agreement stemmed from the resilience of the Israeli people and their defenders, and warned that the occupation had delayed its own release of prisoners.
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the IDF chief of staff, met with senior officers at the military headquarters to discuss the hostages’ release. He thanked the armed forces for their careful preparation and urged continued readiness and vigilance.
Source: ianslive
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