Hamas released the first group of hostages as part of a four-day ceasefire. 13 women and children were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross and are on their way to the Rafah crossing: Israel handed over 39 prisoners accused of terrorist crimes for them.

In total, about 50 hostages are scheduled to be released, and their number may increase if the ceasefire lasts longer; one Israeli hostage will be exchanged for three prisoners from Gaza. This is reported by The Times of Israel.

"The first group of Israeli hostages is currently in the hands of the International Committee of the Red Cross and is in ambulances on their way from Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip to the Rafah crossing to Israel. The families of the hostages are on their way to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited later," the publication writes.

The release of 13 women and children was the first of four stages in the exchange of civilians held by Hamas for Palestinians accused of terrorism. In total, during the four days of the ceasefire, the militants agreed to release about 50 people.

In exchange for them, Israel promised not only not to shell the Gaza Strip, but also to release 150 Palestinian prisoners detained for terrorist crimes. At the same time, they plan to release only women and minors.