Israel-Hamas War: First 13 Hostages Released from Gaza Now with Red Cross, On Their Way to Egypt – News18

The first group of Israeli hostages released by Hamas on Friday are now on their way to the Rafah crossing on the Gaza-Egypt border. They are with staff members of the International Committee for Red Cross and travelling in ambulances from Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

According to a report published by the Times of Israel, officials said the 13 hostages will be crossing into Israel via Egypt. This is the first stage of the four-day ceasefire and hostage truce between Israel and Hamas.

The deal was brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, where a total of 50 hostages from Gaza will be released in exchange for three Palestinian prisoners each.

Israeli officials said all the hostages to be released are mothers, children and other women while the two sides have also agreed that Hamas may eventually free more by extending the ceasefire by a few days.

Hamas had captured 240 hostages after it carried out an unprecedented three-pronged attack on Israel on October 7.

Israel will be releasing a total of 150 Palestinian prisoners over the course of four days. A total of 39 prisoners will be released in return for the first 13 hostages.