The first group of 13 Israeli hostages freed by Hamas has now crossed to Egypt, writes the Times of Israel.
Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa TV quoted sources within the group who also confirmed that the first batch of Israelis had been handed over to the Red Cross. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin confirmed today that 12 citizens of his country have been released.
“The Department of Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have confirmed that 12 Thai hostages have already been released. Embassy officials are on their way to pick them up in an hour. They should know their names and details. Please stay tuned,” Thai Prime Minister Srettha said. Thavisin.
Bangkok announced that 16 of its citizens were abducted by Hamas and taken to the Gaza Strip, writes the Times of Israel.
A Red Cross bus has arrived at Ofer prison in the West Bank to pick up 39 Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel as part of an agreed prisoner exchange. American citizens are not expected to be among the first group of hostages released by Hamas today. An American official told CNN that he hopes that the first 50 released will include Americans.
The first release of hostages from Gaza is scheduled for today at 15:00 (16:00 local time), when 13 women and children kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza are expected to be freed.
Representatives of the Red Cross arrived by bus at Ofer prison in the West Bank to pick up 39 Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel as part of the first phase of a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.
All prisoners were brought to Ofer ahead of their expected release.
