Hamas Transfers Three ‘israeli’ Captives to Red Cross Amid Ceasefire Commencement

According to a correspondent from Anadolu Agency, members of Hamas’ military wing, known as the Qassam Brigades, conducted the transfer of captives at Saraya Square, located in the heart of Gaza City.

The Israeli Defense Forces announced that they have been notified by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regarding the transfer of captives, namely Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher.

According to Israeli media outlet Yedioth Ahronoth, three female captives have been successfully secured by Israeli forces and are now under their custody. The military has confirmed that all three individuals are reported to be in good health.

A substantial deployment of Qassam Brigades personnel and vehicles marked the handover process in Gaza City.

The ceasefire agreement in Gaza officially took effect at 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT) on Sunday, following a delay from its initially planned implementation at 8:30 a.m. The postponement was attributed to Israeli assertions that Hamas had been late in submitting the list of captives slated for release.

Since the commencement of military operations by Israel in Gaza on October 7, 2023, local health authorities report that the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 47,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, and left more than 110,700 others injured.

The conflict has resulted in over 11,000 individuals unaccounted for and wrought widespread devastation, marking one of the most severe humanitarian crises on a global scale in recent times.

In November, the International Criminal Court released arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

Israel is currently facing legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice, where it has been accused of committing acts of genocide during its military operations in the enclave.