Israeli Army Receives First Group of Hostages as Red Cross Moves to Collect Another in Gaza

By : Mayada Kassem – October 13, 2025

The Israeli army and the Shin Bet security agency announced in a joint statement on Monday that seven Israeli hostages had been handed over by Red Cross teams inside the Gaza Strip, marking the first phase of the Egypt- and U.S.-brokered prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement.

According to the statement, the hostages were transferred to a joint army–Shin Bet unit after undergoing initial medical examinations inside Gaza. The Red Cross, the statement added, is now en route to a second handover point in southern Gaza to receive another group of hostages in the coming hours.

This operation marks the beginning of the first stage of the deal, which includes the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages. The agreement is taking place amid international efforts to consolidate the ceasefire and prepare for the upcoming Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, expected to be held within hours.

Analysts say the successful implementation of the first and second exchanges today will serve as a crucial test of trust among all parties and could mark a significant step toward ending a humanitarian crisis that has dragged on for more than two years.