Israel's military says Red Cross has told it hostages have been transferred and are on their way toward Israeli forces.
Two American citizens, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen, are on the list of hostages to be released in the first phase, which lasts six weeks, but they are not expected to be freed on the first day of the ceasefire, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer told NewsNation.
About 90 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel were also freed Sunday as part of a hostage and prisoner exchange, due to last for weeks, between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire has raised hopes the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, where almost 47,000 Palestinians have been killed and the enclave has been reduced to ruins, could be brought to an end.
The first hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023 were released Sunday morning, with 33 hostages expected to be released in the coming weeks.
The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks. Latest DevelopmentsJan 19, 10:34 AMHostages in good condition, official saysAn Israeli official told ABC News that the Red Cross said its initial examination of the three released hostages indicated that all are in good condition.
Brett McGurk, White House National Security Coordinator, spoke with Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation Sunday about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal.
Phase one of the deal states that Hamas officials will release a total of 33 hostages, many of whom are children, women and people over 50. In return, Israeli officials will release 50 Palestinian prisoners held in their jails for every Israeli female soldier released by Hamas, and 30 Palestinian prisoners for other hostages held by Hamas.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's military says Red Cross has told it hostages have been transferred and are on their way toward Israeli forces.
Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher – were filmed being loaded into a car, then without a word a Hamas terrorist handed each a paper bag with the group’s
The deal ushers in an initial six-week period of calm and raises hopes for the release of dozens of militant-held hostages and an end to the war.
Ceasefire in Gaza that was expected to begin today hit delays, possibly stalling the hostage release; the Israeli military continued attacks