Second group of Gaza hostages prepared for transfer by Red Cross

The Red Cross has arrived at the second hostage collection point in the southern Gaza Strip, where 13 hostages are expected to be released, Israeli outlet Ynet News reports.

The hostages to be handed over at this location include Bar Kupershmidt, Evyatar David, Rom Breslavski, Yosef Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Harkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Tzangauker, David and Ariel Cunio, and Eitan Horn.

Earlier in the day, Hamas had already released seven hostages.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on October 9 that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire plan during talks held in Egypt. On October 10, the Israeli government formally approved the agreement as part of Trump’s plan.

The deal aims to secure the release of all 48 remaining hostages—at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive, with seven already freed on October 13—in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. This agreement represents a landmark diplomatic development in the Israel-Hamas conflict, offering a potential turning point after the escalation triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack.

By Tamilla Hasanova