Hamas releases first seven Israeli hostages - The Times of Israel
Illustrative photo: Hamas released the first seven Israeli hostages (Getty Images)
On Monday, October 13, Hamas began the process of releasing Israeli hostages in accordance with the ceasefire agreements in the Gaza Strip, reports The Times of Israel.
The first group of seven Israeli hostages was handed over to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip. The announcement, made by a spokesperson at Hostage Square, was met with loud cheers.
According to reports, the seven hostages include Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal.
Earlier, it was reported that on October 13, Hamas plans to release 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The exchange is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. local time, which coincides with Kyiv time.
Before the exchange, Hamas released a list of 20 hostages' names, which matches Israeli data. Among them are Elkana Bohbot, Matan Angrest, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel, Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Eitan Mor, Segev Kalfon, Nimrod Cohen, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Matan Zangauker, Bar Kupershtein, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Omri Miran.
According to the militants, the second group of hostages may be released around 10:00 a.m. in Khan Yunis. They claim that the 20 released Israelis will be exchanged for more than 1,900 Palestinians currently imprisoned in Israel.
Trump's plan for the Gaza Strip
US President Donald Trump's peace plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, presented last week, contains 20 points. It provides for the creation of an international “peace council” to oversee the work of the Palestinian committee managing the enclave.
Since October 6, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing in Egypt, mediated by Egypt, the US, and Qatar.
On October 9, Trump announced that an agreement had been reached between Israel and Hamas on the implementation of the first phase of his plan. Under the agreement, Israeli troops are to withdraw to new positions within the Gaza Strip, leaving about 53% of the enclave under their control. In response, Hamas must release all 48 Israeli hostages it is still holding within three days.
Today, Egypt will host the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, dedicated to resolving the situation in the Middle East and achieving lasting peace in the region. Leaders from more than 20 countries are expected to attend.
