Bus carrying released hostages exits Gaza. Celebrations break out in Palestine
On the first day of the truce between Israel and Hamas, 24 hostages held in Gaza were released. In a reciprocal move, 39 Palestinian women and children imprisoned in Israeli jails were also set free, a Qatari official reported. The news led to jubilant scenes on the streets of Palestine.
11:11 AM EST, November 25, 2023
The four-day ceasefire began at 1AM Eastern Time on Friday.
First day of truce sees liberation of prisoners and hostages
"We can confirm that the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) received 24 civilians, including numerous women and children, in accordance with the humanitarian truce agreement. A number of Thai nationals have also been freed and are currently leaving Gaza with the ICRC. Among the freed are 13 Israeli citizens with some holding dual citizenship, as well as 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen," reported the spokesperson of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs Friday afternoon.
"We can also assure the release of 39 women and children from Israeli prisons, adhering to the commitments made on the first day of the pact," added Majed Al Ansari.
A group of Israelis, composed of 4 women and 4 children, reached a medical center in Tel Aviv for check-ups on Saturday just before midnight.
The Israeli Defense Forces shared a video showing the moment when individuals crossed the boundary separating Israel from the Gaza Strip.
Some Israelis were airlifted to hospitals.
"The end of this war will see the downfall of Hamas"
Hamas released video footage of its members handing over some of the 24 hostages to the Red Cross. It seemingly represents an attempt by Hamas to depict its fighters as humane after holding the hostages for 49 days, as noted by Times of Israel.
The recording was addressed by the Israeli government spokesperson. "Before we conclude, Hamas will never again get its hands on our nation. This war will end in the downfall of Hamas," Eylon Levy wrote.
Streets of Palestine filled with crowd
Palestinians, eager to greet their returnee kin and neighbors, thronged the streets.
One such returnee was prisoner Jamal Abu Hamdan, who came back to the city of Beita, south of Nablus in the West Bank.
Family members also shared video footage, showing emotional reunions between the released Palestinian prisoners and their loved ones after weeks of separation.
Israel received a list from Hamas detailing the hostages to be set free on Saturday.
The Prime Minister's Office reported that IDF and Mossad security officials are currently reviewing the list. It was also noted that the families of the hostages were informed.
In keeping with the agreement between Hamas and Israel, a group of hostages will be released each day over the four-day truce, totaling 50 individuals.
