Today at 07:58
The Palestinian group Hamas handed over the last 13 hostages to the Red Cross, meaning all 20 individuals held captive for more than two years are now returning home.
The Times of Israel and the IDF reported this.
Among the freed hostages are: Evyatar David, Rom Braslavsky, Elkana Bobot, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Nimrod Cohen, Maksim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Matan Zangauker, Bar Kupershtein, David Kunio, Ariel Kunio, and Segev Kalfon.
The IDF confirmed the information.
“According to the Red Cross, 13 hostages were handed over under their care and are now on their way to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet),” the statement said.
The Red Cross noted that the 13 hostages are in satisfactory condition.
Shortly afterward, the IDF reported that it had already received the 13 freed hostages.
Later, Hamas is expected to return the bodies of 28 deceased hostages. Some are planned to be handed over around midday on October 13. At the same time, Hamas informed intermediaries that it does not know the whereabouts of some of the bodies, which may delay their return to Israel.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich posted a video celebrating the release of the first seven hostages from Gaza, despite having voted against the agreement that facilitated their freedom.
“We welcome them with joy, with open arms, and thank the Lord,” he said.
Read also: Hamas begins releasing Israeli hostages, handing them over to the Red Cross
