Red Cross Confirms First Hostage Release Under Gaza Ceasefire

The International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed the commencement of hostage releases from the Gaza Strip, implementing the first major provision of the newly established ceasefire agreement. Israeli authorities verified that seven freed captives are currently being transported to Israel under military and security agency escort.

"Seven hostages have been released and are being escorted to Israel by the army and Shin Bet security agency forces," the Israeli military announced via social media platform X. Israeli Channel 12 reported that the initial group had been formally transferred to ICRC teams, facilitating their return through established humanitarian channels.

According to Israeli media reports, a subsequent release involving thirteen additional hostages is planned for 10:00 PM local time (0700 GMT) from central Gaza locations. This two-phase release operation represents the initial implementation of the prisoner exchange component within the broader ceasefire framework.

Israeli news channel I24 identified the first group of returning hostages as Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Alon Ohel. Their release follows US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 20-point peace plan that began implementation on Friday, including hostage-prisoner exchanges and gradual Israeli military withdrawals.

The current agreement, which also involves the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, envisions a second phase establishing a new Gaza governing authority without Hamas participation. This would be accompanied by multinational security deployment and disarmament initiatives. The conflict has resulted in over 67,800 Palestinian fatalities since October 2023.