The long-anticipated hostage-prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas has commenced as part of a US-brokered peace plan aimed at de-escalating the two-year conflict in Gaza. On Monday, the first group of Israeli hostages, numbering seven individuals, was handed over during the initial phase of the release.
Visuals circulating on social media show Palestinian Red Crescent ambulances moving towards the eastern Gaza Strip from Khan Yunis, signaling the start of the sensitive transfer operation. Vehicles and volunteers from the Red Cross are facilitating the transport of the released Israeli hostages to Israel and the corresponding Palestinian detainees back to Gaza.
The Exchange Details
The current exchange agreement, forming the first phase of the peace framework, stipulates that all 20 remaining living hostages will be released by Hamas. The release is expected to occur in subsequent phases throughout the day, with further exchanges slated for 9 AM and 10 AM local time.
In a reciprocal move, Israel is set to release a substantial number of Palestinian detainees. Reports indicate that nearly 2,000 Palestinians, who were detained or imprisoned before and during the war, are expected to be freed in exchange for the full return of the 20 living hostages.
First Hostages Released
Hamas issued a list of the first hostages to be released. The seven individuals handed over during the first phase are:
- Gali Berman
- Ziv Berman
- Eitan Abraham Mor
- Omri Miran
- Matan Angrest
- Alon Ohel
- Guy Gilboa-Dalal
The exchange is considered the most significant breakthrough in the efforts to end the protracted and devastating conflict that erupted following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.