The first batch of Israeli hostages is now under the care of the International Committee for the Red Cross staff and is en route from Khan Younis in southern Gaza to the Rafah crossing into Israel, as reported by an Israeli official.
The families of the hostages are currently heading to hospitals in Israel for a reunion later.
This release of 13 hostages, consisting of mothers and children, marks the beginning of a four-stage process. In adherence to the truce with Israel, Hamas has committed to releasing approximately 50 hostages over the next four days, all of whom are children, mothers, or other women. Both parties have agreed that, in exchange for an extension of the ceasefire, Hamas may release additional hostages, with each group of 10 Israeli hostages corresponding to an extra day of ceasefire.
It’s important to note that the 13 released hostages represent only a fraction of the approximately 240 individuals held by Gaza terrorists since October 7. On that day, 3,000 Hamas-led terrorists claimed the lives of 1,200 people in southern Israel.
As part of the agreement, Israel is slated to release 150 Palestinian prisoners, all of whom are women and minors, in exchange for 50 Israelis. The first 13 Israelis are being released today, with an additional 39 Palestinian prisoners set free in return.
