During the four days of the truce, Hamas handed over 25 hostages to Israel

In a significant development, Hamas released 25 hostages, including a two-year-old child, marking the commencement of a four-day truce with Israel. The group released ten Thai citizens, one Filipino, and 13 others believed to be Israeli women and children. The Israeli government's press office and the Qatari foreign ministry confirmed the releases, with the International Committee of the Red Cross facilitating the safe release of 24 hostages. Israel reciprocated by releasing 39 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including 24 women and 15 teenage boys.

This event unfolded amid a four-day ceasefire initiated on October 7, following a surprise attack by Hamas fighters from the Gaza Strip that led to the death of approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 240 hostages. Hamas had previously indicated a willingness to release up to 70 hostages if Israel agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

The hostages, who were most recently with the Israeli Defense Forces, underwent an initial medical assessment and will now be escorted by IDF soldiers to Israeli hospitals for reunification with their families, according to an IDF statement. Among those released are children aged 2, 4, and 5, as well as individuals over 70, including an 85-year-old.

A surprise attack by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip on October 7 resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 240 hostages. Earlier, Hamas declared its readiness to release up to 70 hostages if Israel agrees to a cease-fire brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.