Incredible
7 Hostages Freed By Hamas
Israel launches the first stage of a historic hostage release — 20 living captives freed from Gaza at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., followed by the return of 28 bodies. The complex operation spans three locations under tight security and international supervision.
Israel is set to begin the highly anticipated release of hostages this morning (Monday), on the eve of Simchat Torah, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing humanitarian and diplomatic effort to end the Israel - Hamas war.
According to operational plans, 48 hostages in total will be returned - 20 alive and 28 deceased. The process started at 8:00 a.m., when the first group of living hostages was transferred to Red Cross custody from inside Gaza. A second phase is expected at 10:00 a.m., completing the release of the remaining living captives.
The hostages who were just released are Matan Angrest, Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Omri Miran.
According to the Qatari Al-Araby channel, Hamas prohibited filming of the Israeli hostage handover. The group has reportedly informed Palestinian civilians that capturing images or videos of the exchange, which is being conducted under the ongoing prisoner swap agreement, is strictly forbidden.
They have been transferred from Hamas to the Red Cross and are en route to the IDF.
The hostages are being freed from three distinct zones across the Gaza Strip: Gaza City, the central refugee camps, and Khan Younis. After initial transfer to the Red Cross, the captives will be handed over to Israeli Defense Forces in coordination with special units operating under heavy security. From there, they will be taken to the Re’im Reception Center, where they will undergo initial medical evaluations and be reunited with their families.
By late afternoon, the operation will shift to the return of bodies belonging to hostages who were either killed in captivity or whose remains were dragged into Gaza during the October 7 attacks.
Officials emphasize that while this marks a breakthrough, it represents only the first phase of a broader deal brokered by international mediators, including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aimed at securing the full return of all hostages and moving toward a sustained ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Hamas’s military wing issued a statement claiming that the ongoing hostage release agreement as an achievement for the organization.
“We declare our commitment to the agreement reached and to the accompanying timetable,” the group said, adding a caveat: “as long as Israel adheres to them.”