GAZA: Hamas has released seven Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, an official involved in the operation confirmed on Monday. The transfer marks the beginning of the first phase of a recently brokered ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel.
According to the deal, Israel is set to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. The move is being hailed as a key step toward easing weeks of intensifying conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, said the handover took place at a designated point in Gaza and was conducted under the supervision of international mediators, including representatives from Qatar and Egypt.
The ICRC is currently facilitating the safe transport of the released hostages to Israel, where they will undergo medical and psychological evaluations. Upon arrival, the hostages are expected to be taken to nearby hospitals for further treatment and reunification with their families.
In total, 48 Israeli hostages have been part of negotiations: the 7 released today, 13 more surviving hostages expected to be freed in the coming days, 26 confirmed deceased, and 2 whose fate remains unknown.
In Israel, families and supporters gathered near the Reim military base close to the Gaza border. Many waved Israeli flags and held signs calling for the safe return of all captives. “We’re praying that this is just the beginning,” said Eyal Dahan, whose cousin remains among those still held.
The Israeli government has yet to officially comment on the release, though defense officials have indicated that operations related to the prisoner exchange and ceasefire implementation are ongoing.
The agreement was reached after weeks of indirect talks, with international pressure mounting to de-escalate the violence that has claimed thousands of lives on both sides. Humanitarian groups have welcomed the development, calling it a “crucial step toward broader peace negotiations.”
