Israeli Hostages Released to Red Cross as Historic Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Takes Effect

Tel Aviv:

Hamas has released all Israeli hostages into the custody of the Red Cross as part of a breakthrough ceasefire after two years of war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The hostages were released in two batches, with a second group of 13 hostages transferred in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Israel's public broadcaster.

The first batch of released hostages included brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal. The second batch consisted of Bar Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, David Cunio, Rom Braslabski, and Ariel Konio.

While there was no immediate confirmation about their condition, tens of thousands of Israelis watching the transfers at public screenings throughout the country erupted in joyful celebration as the International Committee of the Red Cross took custody of the hostages from Hamas in northern Gaza.

All seven hostages from the first release group arrived at an IDF facility near the border community of Reim for physical and mental evaluations before reuniting with their families, according to the Times of Israel.

Palestinians are now awaiting the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel. This significant exchange of hostages and prisoners follows a ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump after two years of devastating conflict.

Trump has arrived in Tel Aviv alongside other leaders to discuss the US-proposed agreement and post-war plans. With the hostages now released, questions remain about Gaza's future as the deadliest conflict ever between Israel and Hamas has left the Palestinian territory in ruins. Following the war's conclusion, a substantial increase in humanitarian aid is expected to reach famine-stricken Gaza, where hundreds of thousands have been left homeless.

The return of the hostages marks the end of a painful chapter for Israel. Since their capture during the October 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war, Israeli newscasts have tracked their days in captivity, and citizens have worn yellow pins and ribbons in solidarity. Tens of thousands joined their families in weekly demonstrations demanding their release.

As the conflict continued, protesters accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of delaying action for political reasons, while he blamed Hamas for being uncooperative. Last week, facing intense international pressure and growing isolation, both sides finally agreed to the ceasefire.

With the hostages now free, the sense of urgency surrounding the war for many Israelis has effectively concluded.

It remains unlikely that the remains of up to 28 other hostages will be returned simultaneously. An international task force will work to locate deceased hostages not returned within 72 hours, according to Gal Hirsch, Israel's coordinator for hostages and missing persons.

The timeline for Palestinian prisoner releases has not been announced. These include 250 individuals serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, plus 1,700 people detained from Gaza during the war without formal charges. They will return to the West Bank or Gaza, or face exile.

While Israel considers these prisoners terrorists, Palestinians view them as freedom fighters against Israeli occupation. Israel has warned Palestinians in the West Bank against celebrating the releases, according to sources who spoke anonymously due to fear of retribution.