Seven of the remaining hostages taken from Israel on October 7, 2023 were received by the Red Cross and were headed back to Israel from the Gaza Strip, according to the Red Cross.
“After 738 days in captivity, the IAF is ready to meet our hostages and bring them home,” the Israeli Air Force said.
Israelis react as they await the release of Israelis still detained in Gaza in Hostage Square in Tel Aviv early on October 13, 2025.
Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images
The International Committee of the Red Cross, which facilitates exchanges between Hamas and Israel in northern Gaza, said early Monday that the process had begun.
“We have initiated a multi-phase operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages and detainees as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas,” the group said in an updated news release.
Israelis react as they await the release of Israelis still detained in Gaza in Hostage Square in Tel Aviv early on October 13, 2025.
Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images
Israel’s military said earlier on Monday that the transfer was expected to be split and that “several” hostages would be released during the first transfer to the Red Cross.
“The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later,” the IDF said before the first transfer.
