The first seven Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas, according to the International Red Cross Committee – crowds gathered in Tel Aviv erupted into celebration
The Red Cross has received seven Israeli hostages released by Hamas in northern Gaza Strip after the landmark ceasefire deal was signed.
Reports say they include Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor and Guy Gilboa-Dalal.
Red Cross vehicles are due to take them to Israeli-controlled parts of Gaza, where they will be handed over to the military.
They will then be taken to the Rei’im base in southern Israel, where after medical checks they are expected to meet with their families for the first time since the mass abductions on October 7.
Hamas has said 20 living hostages will be exchanged for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Another 25 of hostages in Gaza are believed to have died.
Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers this morning as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages were in the hands of the International Red Cross Committee.
Tens of thousands of Israelis are watching the transfers at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv.
A packed crowd in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv erupted in further cheers as the names of the hostages to be released were read on local television. They clapped and chanted “Bring them home now!”.
Some carried Israeli flags with a yellow hostage ribbon, while others held aloft posters with the faces of the hostages.
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