Does Hamas No Longer Hold Any Living Hostages?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hamas no longer holds any living Israeli hostages.
- The last group of 13 hostages has been released.
- Hostages will undergo medical evaluations upon return.
- The Red Cross facilitated the transfer process.
- Hamas has committed to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
Jerusalem, Oct 13 (NationPress) Hamas has officially stated that it no longer retains any living Israeli hostages, as the last 13 individuals were released and are currently en route home after spending more than two years in captivity. This was confirmed by Israeli authorities on Monday.
Earlier in the day, another group of seven Israeli men was returned home after being held for over 738 days.
Among those released are Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor, and Guy Gilboa-Dallal.
The Red Cross facilitated the transfer of the hostages to Israeli forces stationed in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement on social media platform X, the IDF remarked, "Returning to Their Borders. Seven returning hostages have now met IDF and Shin Bet forces in the Gaza Strip, and they are on their way to Israeli territory."
Upon their arrival, the military indicated that the hostages would undergo a medical evaluation.
"IDF commanders and soldiers express their respect and welcome to the returnees on their journey back home," the military added.
"The IDF spokesperson urges the public to exercise caution and sensitivity, to respect the privacy of the returnees, and to rely on official communications. The IDF is prepared to receive more hostages who are anticipated to be transferred to the Red Cross shortly," it further stated.
Simultaneously, thousands of Israelis gathered at the Nova site for special holiday prayer services. This location is notably where Hamas conducted a massacre, killing several Israelis and taking hundreds hostage on October 7, 2023.
Earlier today, Hamas announced its decision to release 20 "living Israeli captives" as part of the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
According to a statement from Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades, "The agreement reached is a result of the resilience of our people and the steadfastness of its fighters. We affirm our commitment to this agreement and the associated timelines, provided the occupation adheres to them."
They further stated, "The occupation could have seen most of its captives returned alive many months ago, but it chose to delay the process."