The first seven of the 20 living hostages that were held in captivity by Hamas have been freed and transferred to the Israel Defense Forces.

The hostages were first taken to the Red Cross in Gaza City on Monday morning before being transported to the custody of the IDF at an army facility at Re’im military base, reported the Times of Israel. The remaining 13 hostages are expected to be released later on Monday morning.

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The hostages freed were Matan Angrest, Gali Berman and Ziv Berman (twin brothers), Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, and Eitan Mor.

President Donald Trump, who negotiated the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel which led to the hostages being freed, was on his way to Israel and expected to arrive at 9 a.m. local time, reportedly watched a livestream of the hostages being released while on Air Force One. 

Friends and family members gathered to welcome home near the Gaza border, according to reports. The remaining 13 hostages are expected to be released by Hamas by 10 a.m. local time, reported the Times of Israel.

The IDF posted about the seven hostages being released on their X account.

“Operation ‘Returning Home,’” posted the IDF. “Seven returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.”

“The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel,” read the X post.

TRUMP TO GREET FREED ISRAELI HOSTAGES IN MIDDLE EAST VISIT, VANCE SAYS

They noted that they were anticipating the release of the remaining 13 living hostages, who will also be transported to the Red Cross. 

“The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.”