By SCM Staff Writer Staff l Sunday, October 12, 2025
GAZA, Palestine – The first batch of nine Israeli captives was handed over to teams from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the central Gaza Strip moments ago, according to an announcement from the Palestinian armed faction holding them.
The released group reportedly includes four individuals who are injured, underscoring the precarious health situation of some of the hostages held in the coastal enclave since the mass abductions that initiated the current conflict.
The transfer is a key element of the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the approximately two dozen remaining captives believed to be held in Gaza by Hamas and other militant groups, which followed their devastating attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
A previous ceasefire in late 2023 saw the release of 105 hostages—mostly women and children—in exchange for 240 Palestinian security prisoners. Since then, multiple efforts have been made to secure the release of the remaining Israelis, which has been a top priority for the Israeli government and a central focus of public anxiety.
The exchange took place under a tense atmosphere, with reports indicating “intensive IOF [Israel Occupation Forces, a term used by the Palestinian side for the IDF] warplane activity” was observed over the area in the central Gaza Strip during the handover. This air presence highlights the delicate security situation and the high-stakes nature of the operation.
The released captives are expected to be transferred out of the Gaza Strip to an Israeli military base and then to hospitals for full medical and psychological evaluations before being reunited with their families, a moment of profound relief anticipated across the country.
The transfer’s completion will likely set in motion the reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, as stipulated in the terms of the ongoing, internationally-brokered agreement
The status of other Israeli captives, including soldiers and those confirmed deceased, remains a source of acute national concern.
