Israel released the seventh group of 30 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison. The update was reported by Al Jazeera and echoed by other outlets as the convoy left the facility under the watch of Red Cross personnel.
According to the publication, the bus transporting the released detainees departed from Ofer prison and moved toward the Palestinian town of Beituniya in the West Bank. The group is described as consisting of 22 young men and eight women, signaling a mix of ages and backgrounds among those freed in this phase of prisoner exchanges.
Earlier in the day, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed information regarding the transfer of six Israeli hostages to the Red Cross. The six individuals, released from captivity in the Gaza Strip, were escorted toward the crossing with Egypt through Rafah and are en route to a designated rendezvous point at Kerem Shalom. Red Cross doctors accompanied the group during the handover to ensure medical oversight and safety throughout the transfer.
In a separate development, it was reported that the Israeli Defense Forces had approved the handover of six additional hostages in the Gaza Strip to the Red Cross, reflecting ongoing coordination between the involved parties to facilitate safe releases and humanitarian oversight across the crossings.
Observers note that the ongoing exchanges are taking place under strict security and diplomatic oversight, with both sides citing humanitarian considerations and the need to minimize risk for prisoners, hostages, and aid personnel. The involvement of the Red Cross and medical teams underscores the emphasis on safeguarding health conditions during movement and transfer. Reports from multiple sources, including Al Jazeera, highlight the logistical complexity of coordinating crossings, convoy movements, and destination arrangements across borders that remain sensitive and fluid. The broader context involves ongoing discussions about ceasefire arrangements, prisoner exchanges, and the humanitarian corridors that support aid delivery and family reunifications in the region. While details vary by day and by specific batch, the pattern of releases and transfers appears to be part of a broader, continuing effort to address trapped or detained individuals in a manner that prioritizes safety and international oversight.