Hamas Hands Over 7 Israeli Hostages to Red Cross for First Time Under Ceasefire Agreement

"Exchange of 1,900 Palestinian Prisoners"

Citizens gathered in Tel Aviv, Israel, cheered after the announcement on the 9th (local time) that Israel and Hamas had reached a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Photo by Xinhua News Agency

According to the Associated Press on October 13 (local time), the Palestinian armed group Hamas has, for the first time, handed over seven hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as part of a ceasefire agreement with Israel.

However, the news agency added that no immediate information has been released regarding the health conditions or specific circumstances of the hostages.

Hamas stated that it plans to exchange 20 surviving hostages for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners currently held by Israel.

Across Israel, families and acquaintances erupted in cheers after hearing through broadcasts that the hostages had come under the protection of the Red Cross.

Earlier, Reuters reported that, under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip were expected to be released starting at 8 a.m. local time (2 p.m. Korean time) on this day.