Two Hamas sources said some of the hostages taken in the Oct. 7 raids against Israel had been handed over to the Red Cross to be returned to Israel via Egypt.
"Half an hour ago, the prisoners were handed over to the Red Cross, who will take them to the Egyptians at the Rafah border crossing," said one of the sources.
"They were handed over to the Egyptian side," he added.
A source in Hamas' military wing confirmed the release of the captives, adding: "This is the first group under the agreement."
The first group of 13 women and children hostages were expected to return to Israel after a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas took effect in the Gaza Strip this morning.
According to local media, the first group of 13 Israeli hostages released by Hamas has officially arrived in Egypt after nearly 7 weeks of captivity.
Earlier, Thai Prime Minister Sreeta Thawisin said 12 hostages of Thai nationality had been released under another deal.
"The Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have confirmed that 12 Thai hostages have now been released. Embassy officials are on their way to collect them in another hour. They need to know their names and details. Please stay tuned," the Thai prime minister also said.
According to Thai officials, at least 26 Thai citizens were detained by Hamas and 39 were killed. Three people remain in hospital. /BGNES
