Hamas has begun releasing the first group of seven Israeli hostages to the Red Cross as part of a ceasefire agreement, with the second group, including Argentine and Colombian hostages, expected in approximately one and a half hours. The seven hostages confirmed as released are Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, and Alon Ohel, all reported to be alive and on their feet. The Red Cross confirmed it has started a multi-phase operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages and detainees. The Qatari al-Arab channel reported that Hamas prohibited the filming of the hostage handover and also informed Palestinian citizens not to film the event as part of the exchange agreement. The White House spokeswoman is monitoring the handover from Air Force One, which is en route to Israel, carrying President Donald Trump. Trump previously told Axios that the Gaza peace deal "could be the biggest thing I was ever involved in." Families of released hostages, including Nimrod Cohen and Alon Ohel, expressed happiness and gratitude as they await reunification. The IDF Chief of Staff, Major General Eyal Zamir, has completed a situation assessment with relevant military and intelligence officials, emphasizing continued high readiness and the ongoing duty to act until all hostages are returned. Al-Jazeera, citing sources, reported that the second batch of hostages will be released at 10:00 AM local time in Southern Gaza. The Al-Qassam Brigades issued a statement to "free prisoners," pledging that their cause "will remain at the top of our national priorities until you all achieve your freedom." President Trump is scheduled to address the Knesset and meet former hostages in Israel shortly after 9 AM local time, before proceeding to Egypt for a summit on Gaza. He had previously stated that his message to the Israeli people in his Knesset speech would be "Hello and love forever."
