According to officials, the hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross inside Gaza before being transferred to Israeli forces. From there, they were taken for medical evaluations and are expected to reunite with their families later today.

This exchange is part of a broader U.S.-brokered agreement aimed at ending months of bloodshed and securing the release of remaining captives. In total, 20 living Israeli hostages are set to be freed in return for the release of more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.

The first seven released include Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Engerst, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal, according to Israeli media reports.

Scenes of relief and emotion swept through Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square” as news of the release spread. Families, activists, and supporters gathered to celebrate the long-awaited breakthrough after years of uncertainty and anguish.

Israel is now preparing for additional transfers expected to take place throughout the day, with another group of hostages anticipated to arrive in the coming hours.

Meanwhile, the Israeli government is proceeding with its part of the exchange, releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in coordinated stages. The deal also includes ongoing international monitoring to ensure both sides uphold their commitments.

Though the return of these seven hostages has brought a sense of cautious optimism, officials acknowledge that the process remains delicate. Many of the freed captives are expected to need extensive medical care and psychological support after their time in captivity.

The ceasefire remains fragile, but this initial handover is being seen as a rare moment of progress in a war that has left deep scars on both sides. As the day unfolds, attention now turns to ensuring the safe return of the remaining hostages and maintaining the stability of the ceasefire agreement.