News Desk
13 October 2025, 11:19 AM IST
The first seven hostages freed by Hamas have been handed over to Israeli authorities, marking the start of the long-awaited return of captives from Gaza.
Welcome kit prepared for returning hostages, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara | Photo: X, AP
Tel Aviv [Israel]:Â The first seven hostages freed by Hamas have been handed over to Israeli authorities, marking the start of the long-awaited return of captives from Gaza. As the operation continues, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office shared a personal message from PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, addressed to the returning hostages. Hebrew media reported the names of the initial seven hostages released, while the remaining 13 are expected to be freed later this morning from different locations across Gaza.
The welcome kit for the hostages includes clothing, personal equipment, laptop, cellphone and a tablet.
The PMO shared on X, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara added a personal message for the returning hostages to the welcome kits prepared for them by the Prime Minister’s Office Hostages Authority and include clothing and personal equipment, a laptop computer, a cellphone and a tablet”
The message said, “On behalf of the entire people of Israel, welcome back! We have been waiting for you. We embrace you. Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu”
Citing Hebrew media, Times of Israel reported that the hostages set to be freed by Hamas first from the northern Gaza Strip are Matan Angrest, brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor and Omri Miran. Their families have been informed. It noted that other 14 living hostages will be released later this morning from different areas of Gaza.
The Israeli Defence Forces shared that it has received the information of Red Cross being on its way to a meeting point in northern Gaza where several hostages will be transferred into their custody and said that it is ready to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.
The Times of Israel reported that the Red Cross will bring the hostages to IDF troops inside Gaza, who will then be escorted out of the Strip to an army facility near Re’im, where they will undergo an initial physical and mental checkup and meet their families.
As crowds swell at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, a group participated in special prayers in a Hoshana Rabba service while awaiting the release of the hostages.
As part of the deal outlined by US President Donald Trump, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages and allow the immediate provision of “full aid” to Gaza, which has faced severe food shortages and famine in some regions. (ANI)
Subscribe to our NewsletterGet Latest Mathrubhumi Updates in EnglishFollow
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.