In a development tied to a prisoner exchange framework with Israel, the militant wing of Hamas, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, reported that 13 Israelis and 7 foreign nationals were handed over to the Red Cross. The exchange forms part of a broader humanitarian effort linked to the ongoing negotiations. This information was disseminated through the group’s official Telegram channels.
According to Al Qassam Brigades, the handover occurred within the framework of a humanitarian ceasefire that enabled the transfer of detainees to Red Cross representatives for onward processing. The statement underscored the role of international humanitarian organizations in the exchange process and described the move as a step under the ceasefire terms. The release was framed as cooperation with international mediators and a signal of intent to maintain dialogue on detainee exchanges.
Hamas also signaled its support for resuming prisoner and detainee exchanges with Israel. The group commended the efforts of Egypt and Qatar in pursuing a temporary ceasefire agreement and facilitating talks that could advance a broader exchange framework. The acknowledgment reflected a view that regional mediation was critical to sustaining any pause in hostilities and to enabling humanitarian provisions for those affected in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier, an IDF spokesperson named Daniel Hagari indicated that notable progress had been achieved in the second phase of hostage releases being pursued by Hamas. The remarks suggested coordinated efforts to finalize a portion of the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza area and indicated that public communications from the Israeli side were detailing the steps toward completing those releases.
Reports from the period also noted that previously Hamas had initiated the first wave of hostage releases as part of the ongoing negotiations and exchange process. The sequence of transfers highlighted a measured approach to implementing the ceasefire provisions while international actors monitored compliance and pressed for subsequent rounds of releases and reciprocal steps.