JUST IN: First Batch Of Hostages Arrive In Israel As Part OF Prisoner Exchange/Ceasefire Deal

Hamas militants have released 24 hostages who have been held in the Gaza Strip after they were abducted during the October 7 attacks. The exchange was part of a temporary ceasefire deal where prisoners from both sides are set to be exchanged.

Thirteen Israeli nationals were handed over to the Red Cross on Friday, a regional diplomat with knowledge of the deal told NBC News. An Israeli Defense Forces spokesman, as well as a representative of the Egyptian government, later confirmed that 12 Israeli nationals and a handful of Thai captives were released into Egypt.

Video footage later showed the hostages boarding busses and making their way to Egyptian territory. They were later taken to an Israeli airbase where they received further medical treatment and reunited with relatives, according to a report from Reuters.

In exchange, Israel released 39 female and teenage male captives who were being held in Israeli detention centers for a range of alleged offenses. A number of additional foreign nationals were also released from Hamas captivity, including 10 Thai workers and at least one Philippine national.

As part of the deal, hostilities have largely paused over the last four days while scores of trucks carrying humanitarian aid were allowed to enter the Gaza Strip through Egypt. The deal, which was brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, is set to facilitate the release of 50 Israeli hostages. Roughly 150 Palestinian prisoners will be released by the Israeli government as well.

⚡️A photo of the hostages who were released a short time ago. pic.twitter.com/cU3lfHQ8O5

— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) November 24, 2023

The Biden Administration confirmed Friday that none of the hostages returned in the first exchange were American citizens. As many as 20 American citizens have been held in Hamas territory since the October 7 attacks while a number of others were killed.

One U.S. official told CNN that they are “hopeful” to see American hostages released as part of the upcoming 50, though there can be no guarantees due to the fluid nature of the situation.