The Hamas movement on the morning of October 13, Monday, freed seven Israelis from captivity and handed them over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, local sources reported. According to information, these individuals had been held captive for 737 days.
The release operation began in the Netsarim corridor in the northern Gaza Strip. A few hours later, the next stage of releasing the hostages was planned to take place in the southern city of Khan Yunis.
It was reported that the freed Israelis are to be handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Under the ceasefire agreement, the bodies of those who died in captivity must be returned within 72 hours after the living hostages are freed.
The families of the hostages had earlier arrived at the Reim airbase in southern Israel. The freed individuals are expected to undergo medical examinations before reuniting with their relatives. Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross met with the captives several hours before their release and reported that some were in serious condition, according to Israel’s “Yediot Ahronot” newspaper.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at the ceremony marking the release of the hostages. He later plans to travel to Egypt to participate in signing a peace agreement.
According to the Associated Press, the ceasefire and release of hostages represent the first step in the proposed peace plan. However, disagreements remain over the next stages, increasing uncertainty over whether the conflict has truly ended.
Thus, after nearly two years of captivity, the release of seven Israelis could mark a potential new chapter in the long-standing conflict in the Gaza region. Yet, how effective these peace efforts will be remains to be seen.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
