Palestinian group Hamas on Monday handed over seven Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a move confirmed by the Israeli military.
Large crowds gathered in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, where dozens of Palestinians released from Israeli prisons are expected to arrive at the Nasser Medical Complex.
According to the Israeli military, the freed hostages — Matan Angrest, Eitan Mor, Gali Berman, Zeev Berman, Omri Miran, Elon Ohiel, and Guy Gilboa Dalal — are now in Israeli custody and undergoing medical evaluations.
“We are prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be handed over to the Red Cross later,” an Israeli army statement said.
Hamas also released a list of 20 Israeli hostages freed under the ongoing deal. Israel confirmed that the process does not include the return of deceased hostages’ bodies at this stage.
An international body will be established to locate and recover the remains of missing persons, according to an Israeli government spokesperson.
Preparations for the exchange began early Monday, with ICRC buses seen in Deir Al Balah to collect hostages from Hamas custody. In return, Israel is set to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Of the 48 Israeli hostages Hamas held for two years, 20 are confirmed alive, while 26 have been declared dead. Some were reportedly killed during the October 7, 2023, attack, and others in airstrikes or captivity.
Hamas sources stated that some bodies were buried temporarily at different sites across Gaza, and identifying all locations will take time.
A joint UN–Red Cross task force is being formed to assist in recovery and exchange logistics.
Meanwhile, Gaza authorities reported that 124 more bodies were recovered in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 67,806, with 170,066 injured. Rescue efforts remain ongoing amid widespread devastation.
