A vital exchange of captives and prisoners has begun. Seven Israeli hostages are now out of Hamas’s hands. They were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Gaza Strip. This marks a hopeful start to a complex deal. The Israeli military confirmed receiving this important news from the Red Cross.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared updates through their social media channels. They stated that the seven hostages were successfully given to the Red Cross. These individuals are currently traveling towards Israeli forces and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) within Gaza. Once they arrive back in Israel, they will receive an initial medical check. The IDF is also prepared to receive 13 more hostages. These are expected to be handed over to the Red Cross later today.
News reports from Israel identified the seven freed individuals who were handed over:
- Eitan Mor
- Gali Berman
- Ziv Berman
- Matan Angrest
- Omri Miran
- Alon Ohel
- Guy Gilboa-Dalal
Al Jazeera, citing Palestinian sources, reported that the full transfer of Israeli hostages to the Red Cross should finish by 10 AM local time in southern Gaza. This specific timing highlights the careful coordination required for such an operation.
As Israeli hostages are released, Palestinian prisoners are also being set free. Officials involved in the swap stated that 1,966 Palestinian prisoners have boarded buses. They are heading to their designated release points. Roughly 250 of these prisoners will travel to the West Bank, Jerusalem, or other countries. The larger group, totaling 1,716 prisoners, is expected to be released at Nasser Hospital in Gaza.
The Red Cross is managing all travel arrangements for this extensive exchange. This includes guiding Palestinian prisoners to specific medical care stations. These stations were specially set up inside Nasser Hospital for today’s events. Doctors and nurses at the hospital have confirmed their readiness. They will perform health checks on the prisoners before they can rejoin their families. Thousands of Palestinians have gathered outside the hospital. They are waiting to welcome those returning home, creating a powerful scene of mixed anticipation and relief.
Medical staff have shared observations from earlier prisoner exchanges. They often see released prisoners arrive weak, tired, and malnourished. Many have endured harsh conditions for months during their confinement. This long period of imprisonment often leaves them very drained mentally as well.
Sources: BBC Al Jazeera