All 20 Israeli hostages who are still alive have been handed over to the Israel Defence Forces by Hamas, in the first phase of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire.
The hostages were handed to the Red Cross, which then relayed them to the IDF and Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, in Gaza.
Israel is also expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of ceasefire agreement.
Israel says Hamas has handed over all 20 living hostages in the first phase of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The first group of seven hostages to be freed on Monday were handed to the Red Cross, which then relayed them to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, in Gaza.
According to the hostage families forum, those released were: Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Engerst, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa Dalal and Alon Ohel.
A second group of 13 hostages were then released by Hamas, and the IDF confirmed that they had been transferred to the Red Cross in Gaza.
There were 48 hostages in captivity, including 20 who are alive.
According to the IDF, the hostages are being escorted by an elite IDF and Shin Bet unit back to Israel where they will undergo a medical evaluation and meet their families.
A crowd with Israeli flags.
People gather at Hostages Square to await the return of the seven hostages. (Reuters: Ronen Zvulun)
Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross.
Palestinians, meanwhile, awaited the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel.
Tens of thousands of Israelis are watching the transfers at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv.
Blue vans driving by crowds of supporters waving Israeli flags and raising their arms, alongside a policeman in olive green
A convoy carrying Israeli hostages released from the Gaza Strip arrived at a military base near Reim. (AP: Leo Correa)
Mother of released hostage Matan Zangauker was seen talking to her son in video footage shared by Israeli media soon after.
“Matan, you’re coming home. The war is over. I love you, I’m waiting for you,” she said.
“Thank God, the war is over.”
[BBC.nre.au]
