The International Red Cross confirmed on Friday that its teams had started carrying out a multi-day operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages held in Gaza and of Palestinian detainees.
"The deep pain that family members separated from their loved ones feel is indescribable. We are relieved that some will be reunited after long agony," said Fabrizio Carboni, the International Committee of the Red Cross's regional director for the Near and Middle East.
An Israeli security source said Friday that 13 Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip had been handed over into Israeli custody.
The source told AFP: "The 13 Israeli hostages are now with the Israeli security services" after they were released on the first day of a four-day truce in the Gaza Strip.
Region
Release of Gaza hostages, Palestinian detainees begins
Israeli security source says 13 Israeli hostages handed to Israeli forces
A Red Cross vehicle, as part of a convoy believed to be carrying hostages abducted by Hamas militants during the October 7 attack on Israel, arrives at the Rafah border, amid a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in southern Gaza Strip on Friday. REUTERS
Members of the media work at the Rafah border crossing, amid of a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, as seen from southern Gaza Strip Friday. REUTERS
Women watch a phone while people gather as they await news of hostages expected to be released by Hamas, amid a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday. REUTERS
