Thirteen Israeli hostages and 12 Thai nationals were released by Hamas Friday, multiple news organizations reported, as part of a temporary ceasefire after seven weeks of devastating fighting.
The Israeli hostages have been freed, according to the Israeli prime minister’s office—they have reportedly been handed to the International Committee of the Red Cross and will exit Gaza through the Rafah Crossing into Egypt, CNN reported.
Twelve Thai hostages were also released, Thailand’s prime minister said Friday.
Hamas is freeing the hostages in exchange for 39 Palestinian detainees being released by Israel, a pause in the fighting and Israel allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
All hostages and detainees being released are women and children.
Additionally, the Palestinian detainees are expected to be released from Israel's Ofer prison in the occupied West Bank soon and allowed to return home, the BBC reported.
Before their release, Israeli ambulances were sent near the border between Israel and Egypt just south of Gaza, and buses arrived at the West Bank Prison to transport released Palestinians, the BBC reported.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.