Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement Unfolds as Prisoners Arrive in Gaza

Buses carrying prisoners released under the Israel-Hamas Gaza deal have reached the Palestinian territories, according to Al Jazeera on October 13. Hamas has mobilized approximately 7,000 fighters to reassert control over the Gaza Strip. Earlier in the day, the first group of seven Israeli hostages freed by Hamas was transferred to the IDF in Gaza. All hostages are set to undergo medical examinations upon returning to Israel. A second group of 13 hostages was later handed over to the Red Cross. On October 9, Israel and Hamas finalized a ceasefire agreement following indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The deal stipulates an end to hostilities, partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the exchange of all remaining hostages for prisoners held by Israel. The ceasefire took effect on October 10 at 12:00 Moscow time.