9:16 GMT+2

Hostages arrive at checkpoint, IDF confirms

The first seven hostages released by Hamas have arrived at the initial reception point, the Israeli military confirmed.

They will be given a medical checkup before they are reunited with their families.

Hamas will release another group of “several hostages” later in the day, IDF reported.

9:08 GMT+2

Loved ones of hostages wait with bated breath

Families and friends of the captives could be seen cheering as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages had been turned over to the Red Cross.

Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered across the country to share the moment at public screenings, with a large event being held in Tel Aviv. 

Major Israeli TV channels aired special overnight coverage ahead of the hostages’ release as anticipation mounted. Before dawn, crowds began gathering around a large screen in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square.

9:12 GMT+2

What we know so far about the hostage release?

Early on Monday, the International Committee of the Red Cross said it had started a “multi-phase operation” to oversee the release of hostages and prisoners.

The living hostages will first be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which will then transfer them to the Israeli military. They will be taken to the Reim military base, where they will be reunited with their families.

The remains of up to 28 other hostages are not expected to be returned at the same time. An international task force will be formed to locate the bodies of hostages not recovered within 72 hours, said Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for the hostages and the missing.

250 Palestinians who are serving life terms or long sentences in Israeli prisons are expected to be released, as well as 1,700 who were detained in the Gaza Strip during the war. No timetable has yet been announced for the release of the Palestinian prisoners, who are expected to first go through a medical check-up before being reunited with their families in a ceremony.Â