The Red Cross received seven Israeli hostages freed by Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip following the signing of a significant ceasefire agreement. Among those released 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 transferred to the Rei’im base in southern Israel for medical assessments and anticipated reunions with their families, marking the first contact since the mass abductions on October 7.
Hamas has announced that 20 surviving hostages will be swapped for over 1,900 Palestinian detainees held by Israel, with reports suggesting that 25 hostages in Gaza have unfortunately perished. The news of the hostages being in the custody of the International Red Cross Committee prompted jubilant reactions from families and friends, with public screenings attracting tens of thousands of spectators nationwide, including a significant gathering in Tel Aviv.
In Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a fervent crowd erupted in celebration upon hearing the names of the soon-to-be-released hostages broadcasted on local television, chanting “Bring them home now!” Attendees displayed Israeli flags adorned with yellow ribbons symbolizing hostages and held up posters featuring the captives’ faces.