Hamas has finalized preparations to release 20 Israeli hostages on Monday, October 13, as part of the ceasefire agreement with Israel. The transfer will follow the same process used in previous hostage releases in November 2023 and February 2025, marking a crucial step in implementing the truce.
According to the agreement, the hostages will first be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). From there, they will be transferred to the Israeli military, which will escort them to southern Israel. Once in Israel, the hostages will undergo identity verification and medical examinations before being flown by helicopter to hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families.
The release comes as the 72-hour deadline for Hamas to free hostages under the ceasefire terms approaches. The truce, which took effect last Friday, requires Hamas to release captives in exchange for Israel halting military operations and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza.
This development mirrors earlier hostage releases in November 2023 and February 2025, when similar procedures were followed under international supervision. The involvement of the Red Cross ensures a neutral and transparent process, while Israel has emphasized the importance of verifying the health and safety of those freed.
The upcoming release is being viewed as a critical milestone in the ceasefire’s implementation, with both sides under pressure to demonstrate compliance. For Israel, the safe return of hostages is a deeply emotional and political issue, while for Hamas, the exchange underscores its leverage in negotiations.
Meanwhile, international mediators, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, continue to monitor the situation closely. The successful release of these 20 hostages is expected to bolster confidence in the fragile truce, though questions remain about the long-term sustainability of peace in the region.
Crowds are expected to gather in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where families and supporters of the captives have been holding vigils. The moment of reunion will likely be marked by both relief and grief, as many families continue to mourn loved ones who did not survive captivity.
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