Hamas on Monday released the first seven of 20 hostages, who were handed over to Israeli forces by the Red Cross in Northern Gaza, I24 News Israel reported. The second group of 13 Israeli hostages was also handed over later to the Red Cross. The move is part of a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Crowds erupted in cheers at Hostages Square upon hearing the news.
The final twenty freed hostages reportedly include Elkana Bohbot, Matan Angrest, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel, Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Eitan Mor, Segev Kalfon, Nimrod Cohen, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Matan Zangauker, Bar Kupershtein, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, and Omri Miran.
As Hamas prepared to free 20 living hostages after two years in captivity, crowds gathered across Israel on Monday morning, Times of Israel reported. Families, friends, and supporters lined streets, public squares, and military bases, awaiting the emotional homecoming of their loved ones.
Hundreds of people gathered, holding pictures of the hostages and waving flags in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square and along roads near the Gaza border in southern Israel. There was a mix of hope and tension as news spread that the first group of hostages would soon be handed over to the Red Cross in northern Gaza.
The Times of Israel, citing Channel 12, reported that friends of Evyatar David, one of the hostages to be released today, marked the moment by wearing shirts printed with his image and taking shots of liquor. In the Haifa suburbs, friends of another hostage, Matan Angrest, and his family also gathered in anticipation.
The released hostage will be escorted out of the Strip to an army facility near Re’im, where they will undergo an initial physical and mental checkup and meet their families.
Israeli Prime Minister’s Office shared on Monday the personal message written by PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, for the returning hostages.
The message said, “On behalf of the entire people of Israel, welcome back! We have been waiting for you. We embrace you. Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu”
As crowds swell at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, a group participated in special prayers in a Hoshana Rabba service while awaiting the release of the hostages.
As part of the deal outlined by US President Donald Trump, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages and allow the immediate provision of “full aid” to Gaza, which has faced severe food shortages and famine in some regions.
(With inputs from ANI)
