Second Hostage Group Released
Red Cross Dash Into Gaza—The High-Stakes Race to Retrieve 13 Remaining Hostages
Latest updates on the Israel-Hamas hostage exchange deal, as Red Cross convoy enters Gaza to facilitate the transfer of 13 remaining captives, with first group successfully returned to Israel.
The coordinated, multi-phase hostage-prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas is accelerating, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) initiating the next critical stage of the operation.
A Red Cross convoy is currently traversing Gaza toward a designated handover site in the southern part of the Strip to collect the 13 additional hostages slated for release by Hamas today. This move signals the continuation of the fragile deal brokered by international mediators.
This second movement follows the successful transfer of the first cohort of seven hostages, who are now safely back on Israeli soil.
First Hostage Group Arrives at Re’im
The IDF Spokesperson and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) confirmed in a joint statement that the initial seven hostages are secure at the army facility near Re’im in southern Israel under Operation “Returning Home.”
The released captives have been identified as: Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest.
Upon arrival at the Re’im base, the former hostages immediately began a process of comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation by specialized IDF medical teams and Manpower Directorate personnel. The focus remains on providing immediate physical and emotional support to individuals who have endured months of captivity.
The IDF stressed its full readiness to receive all additional hostages expected to be released throughout the day as the exchange progresses, emphasizing the delicate coordination required with international bodies to ensure the safe passage of every individual returning home. The ongoing operation maintains a glimmer of hope as the nation awaits the return of all remaining captives.