HAMAS releases three Israeli hostages
Red Cross transports IDF hostages (photo: Getty Images)
Today, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into force. The group has already handed over the first three hostages to the Red Cross as part of the agreement, The Times of Israel reports.
The media outlet notes that the footage published online shows three Israeli hostages arriving at a square in the center of Gaza and being handed over to the Red Cross. They are Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, who are walking on their own, without assistance.
Soon after, the Israeli Defense Forces reported that the Red Cross had informed the military that three hostages had been handed over to them.
The soldiers added that the Red Cross is currently delivering the hostages to the IDF troops in Gaza.
Updated at 17:47
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed in its official Telegram that the three released hostages have already been handed over to the IDF and Shin Bet forces in Gaza.
"The three freed hostages, accompanied by IDF commandos and Shin Bet forces, are returning to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical examination," the statement said.
Agreement between Israel and Hamas
On Thursday, January 16, the negotiators signed an agreement in Doha on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. On Friday and until Saturday, the agreement was approved by the Israeli security cabinet and the government itself. Now, starting today, the agreement between Israel and Hamas has entered into force.
Read more about why the parties concluded the agreement and what its consequences may be in the RBC-Ukraine article.
