Israeli hostage handover begins

HAMAS handed over the first seven of 20 surviving Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives in Gaza yesterday, with a convoy of the humanitarian organisation on its way to pick up a second group.

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In Tel Aviv, a huge crowd gathered to support hostage families erupted in joy, tears and song as news broke of the first releases, which came after two years of war in Gaza.

Under a ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump, Hamas was due to release all surviving hostages yesterday in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The releases came as Trump arrived in Israel for a lightning visit ahead of a trip to Egypt for a peace summit, having declared the war "over".

"According to information provided by the Red Cross, seven hostages have been transferred into their custody, and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip," the Israeli military and security service said.

In a later statement, the army said a Red Cross convoy was on its way to pick up a second group of hostages.

Among those gathered on Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Noga shared her pain and joy.

"I'm torn between emotion and sadness for those who won't be coming back," she said.

On October 7, 2023, militants seized 251 hostages during Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel, which led to the deaths of 1 219 people, most of them civilians.

All but 47 of the hostages were freed in earlier truces, with the families of those who have remained in captivity leading lives of constant pain and worry for their loved ones.