A Red Cross convoy has collected seven hostages released by Hamas in northern Gaza, marking the first releases under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the Associated Press reports, according to The Guardian.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the convoy travelled to a meeting point in the northern Gaza Strip where Hamas transferred the hostages. No immediate information on their condition was available.
Israeli television channels broadcast the transfers live, prompting wild cheers from families and friends of the hostages. Tens of thousands of Israelis watched the handover at public screenings across the country, with a major event held in Tel Aviv.
The IDF said it remains prepared to receive additional hostages expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on Monday. Hamas’s armed wing published a list of 20 surviving hostages it intends to release as part of the exchange.
The Red Cross has started a “multi-phase operation” to oversee the hostage and prisoner releases under the Gaza ceasefire, according to the AP.
Hamas has said 20 living hostages will be exchanged for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Israeli media reports also said seven hostages have been freed, though official confirmation remains pending.
(information from The Guardian/image source: Ramadan Abed/Reuters)
Read more:
