First group of Israeli hostages handed over to Red Cross, en route to Rafah crossing

In addition to the 13 Israeli hostages, Egypt's government media office said that it has successfully negotiated the separate release of 12 Thai hostages who were abducted during Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, the report said. Thailand said it believes 26 of its citizens were taken hostage on October 7. Subsequently, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said that 12 of the country's citizens have been released. Meanwhile, the truce brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas went into effect at 7 am (local time).