The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has received a request from Hamas to prepare for the transfer of four Israeli female hostages, according to reports from Israeli Channel 12. This development comes as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to hold, and the planned release is scheduled to take place at a designated transfer point in Gaza.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, a convoy of Red Cross vehicles, including a bus capable of carrying 20-25 people, made its way toward the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza. Witnesses at the scene reported the presence of Hamas fighters from the Al-Qassam Brigades and Al-Quds Brigades, who were seen preparing for the handover alongside thousands of Palestinians gathered at Palestine Square in Gaza City.
The exact time of the release is expected around 10:00 a.m. GMT, as informed to the hostages’ families by Israeli Channel 13. However, the Red Cross has not yet issued an official statement regarding the transfer.
This transfer is part of a broader three-phase agreement, which includes a prisoner exchange and the promise of continued calm between the two sides. The agreement seeks to pave the way for a permanent truce and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, which has been devastated by ongoing conflict since October 7, 2023.
Over 47,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the conflict, most of whom are women and children. The destruction has left the region in ruins, with widespread displacement, hunger, and disease. Israel’s actions in Gaza have drawn international condemnation, including arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
