International Red Cross Receives 'Third Group' of Hostages from Hamas

On Sunday, Reuters reported, citing the Cairo television network in Egypt, that the International Red Cross has begun the process of receiving a new group consisting of 13 Israeli hostages and five other foreigners from Hamas. At the same time, Hamas announced in a statement that it has released a hostage who is a Russian citizen. The Times of Israel reported that Hamas's statement indicates this action is 'in response to the efforts of Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, and in appreciation of Russia's position in support of the Palestinian cause.' Reuters' report on Sunday did not directly mention the Israeli-Russian citizen. Earlier on Sunday, the Times of Israel reported that Israel is expecting at least one Israeli-Russian citizen to be released in addition to the 13 Israeli hostages for whom an agreement had been reached with Hamas. Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking approximately 240 hostages. This attack by the Palestinian group, which is supported by the Islamic Republic, prompted a military response from Israel. Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by various countries and the European Union. So far, twenty-six individuals have been released as part of this agreement between Israel and Hamas militants. An Israeli-linked oil tanker was seized in the Gulf of Aden by 'unknown armed individuals.' An Iraqi militia group, affiliated with the Islamic Republic, stated that it adheres to the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Hamas claims that four commanders of the group have been killed. Live blog: G7 foreign ministers welcome the cessation of hostilities; all hostages should be released unconditionally.