Hamas releases two dozen hostages after weeks in captivity as cease-fire begins

Around two dozen hostages, including Israelis and Thai nationals, held in Gaza have been released by Hamas fighters as the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli government brokered by Qatar came into effect on Friday.

The first day of the war truce began on Friday, with Hamas releasing 13 Israelis, 10 Thais who were farm workers and one Filipino. They were part of hundreds of hostages that were kidnapped and transported to Gaza when Hamas invaded Israel last month.

According to Reuters, the hostages were transferred out of Gaza accompanied by eight staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a four-car convoy and handed over to Egyptian authorities at the Rafah crossing.

In return, the Israeli government freed 39 women and children from Israeli jails. The swap is one of the series of exchanges expected to take place between Israel and Hamas in the coming days under the agreement brokered by Qatar.

“The deep pain that family members separated from their loved ones feel is indescribable. We are relieved that some will be reunited after long agony,” said Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC’s regional director for the Near and Middle East.

All the freed hostages have been received by Israeli authorities and have undergone initial medical assessments in the country.

“The released hostages underwent an initial medical assessment inside Israeli territory. They will continue to be accompanied by IDF soldiers as they make their way to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families,” the military said.