The Red Cross has received seven Israeli hostages who were released by Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip following the signing of a significant ceasefire agreement. Among the released individuals are Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal.
Red Cross vehicles are scheduled to transport them to Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza, where they will be handed over to the military. Subsequently, they will be taken to the Rei’im base in southern Israel for medical examinations and are anticipated to reunite with their families for the first time since the mass abductions on October 7.
Some of the hostages are reportedly in critical condition and require immediate medical attention. US President Donald Trump was expected to arrive in Tel Aviv to take credit for the 20-point peace deal that facilitated the end of the conflict before heading to a Middle East summit.
In Tel Aviv, car horns honked in celebration as the hostages reached safety, while forensic teams prepared to receive the remains of potentially up to 28 deceased hostages later in the day. This could mark the final day that Israelis gather in large numbers at Hostage Square, where the Bring Them Home campaign has tirelessly advocated for the releases.
While Israeli hostages were swiftly moved across the border to the south of the country, hundreds of Palestinians were also set for release from prisons to be transferred to Gaza or abroad. Hamas has announced that 20 living hostages will be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, with an additional 25 hostages in Gaza believed to have perished.
Families and friends of the hostages erupted in joy this morning as Israeli television reports confirmed that the hostages were under the care of the International Red Cross Committee. Thousands of Israelis are observing the transfers at public viewings nationwide, with a significant gathering taking place in Tel Aviv.
A jubilant crowd at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv cheered as the names of the soon-to-be-released hostages were announced on local TV. They cheered and chanted “Bring them home now!” Some waved Israeli flags with yellow hostage ribbons, while others displayed posters featuring the hostages’ faces.