Hamas Releases 24 Hostages in Recent Developments

The temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began at 7:00 p.m. The agreement entails a 4-day ceasefire and the release of 50 hostages, including women and children. The first group of hostages, precisely 24 individuals, was released today: 13 Israelis, 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino. They were taken by a Red Cross team in Gaza, crossed into Egypt through the Rafah crossing, before being transferred to Israel.

Among the Israeli hostages released today, sources say there is also a woman with dual citizenship, Romanian and Israeli.

The ceasefire marks the first break in nearly 50 days of war, resulting in over 14,000 casualties. During the October 7 attack, 1,200 Israeli and foreign citizens were killed in Israel, and over 13,300 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip during subsequent military operations. In exchange for the 50 hostages, Israel committed to releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas released 13 Israeli hostages, escorted by the Red Cross to Egypt, as announced by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office. From there, they will be transferred to Israel to reunite with their families.

Additionally, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed the release of 12 Thai citizens from Gaza, and also a Filipino. “We received confirmation from our national security team and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that 12 Thai hostages have been released. Our embassy staff is on their way to receive them,” said Thavisin in a post on X. The 12 Thais and 1 Filipino were released alongside the 13 Israeli hostages.

The Israeli military, IDF, has prepared psychologists and mental health experts to welcome the hostages, many of whom are expected to be children. Experts will explain to them what happened in their community on October 7 when they deem it appropriate. The IDF has provided phones for the hostages, allowing them to call their relatives as soon as they arrive at Hatzerim. The released hostages will remain at Hatzerim for up to two hours before being transported to a hospital, either by helicopter or bus. Helicopters will fly in a more comfortable and smooth manner. Those in need of immediate medical care will be taken directly from the border to a hospital without passing through Hatzerim.