IDF says 13 Israeli hostages are in Red Cross care being taken to Egypt

The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed on Saturday that 13 Israeli hostages have been handed over to the Red Cross and are on their way to Egypt, according to Axios reporter Barak Ravid.

According to Ravid, 13 Israelis and 7 foreign citizens are expected to be released. 

The New York Post reports that as of now, the hostages are on their way to the Rafah border crossing.

Earlier today, Hamas announced that it would delay the release of the hostages unless Israel allowed aid to northern Gaza.

Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades alleged that Israel did not adhere to the agreed upon terms regarding the release of the Palestinian prisoners. 

CBS News reports that an IDF spokesperson told French television channel BFM that Israel has respected the original agreement.

On Friday, Israel released 39 former Palestinian prisoners into the West Bank as part of the hostage deal negotiated with Hamas alongside the temporary ceasefire.

This exchange was the first in what is reported to be the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. In exchange, Hamas promised to release a total of 50 hostages back to Israel.