Israeli and Thai hostages who were held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7 have been released as part of a deal between Israel and the militant group, officials reported. The Israeli prime minister confirmed that an initial group of 13 Israeli hostages has been freed, while the Thai prime minister stated that 12 Thai nationals have also been released.
On Friday, Israel is set to release 39 Palestinian prisoners as part of a deal brokered with the help of Qatar. This marks the first group of prisoners to be freed under the agreement, which was concluded after weeks of tense negotiations and took several days to take effect.
The agreement, along with a four-day ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, marks a significant diplomatic advancement in the conflict. The freed hostages are anticipated to cross into Egypt via the Rafah crossing before being brought back to Israeli territory, where they will probably receive medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
Demonstrators in Tel Aviv call for the release of hostages held by Hamas on November 21 ahead of the announcement of a deal for the release of some of those held.
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Israel-Hamas truce believed to be holding, with hostage release expected in coming hours
The ceasefire started at 7 a.m. local time (12 a.m. ET) on Friday and seems to be holding - marking the first extended pause in fighting after almost seven weeks of conflict. Families of the hostages had been increasing pressure on the Israeli government for weeks, seeking answers and action from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
There have been increasing global pleas for increased humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and the ceasefire is anticipated to provide relief to those in the territory who have suffered from weeks of assaults. The death toll since October 7 has now reached 14,854, as reported by Hamas authorities in the Strip.
Israel initiated an offensive against Hamas in response to the militant group's deadly October 7 terrorist attack within its borders, resulting in over 1,200 deaths - the largest attack on Israel since its establishment in 1948.
Militants were holding more than 200 people captive inside Gaza from mass abductions that day, according to figures from the Israeli military.
This is a developing story. It will be updated
