Hamas releases first batch of hostages; frees 13 Israelis and 12 Thai nationals, say officials and reports

Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal begins, 1st batch of hostages released incl. 13 Israelis & 12 Thais. 150 Palestinian prisoners to be freed in exchange. Fuel and cooking gas enter Gaza from Egypt. Israeli troops warn displaced Palestinians not to return to homes in north. Hopes of ending conflict raised.

Hamas released the first batch of hostages under a ceasefire deal that began on November 24, including 13 Israelis who have been held in the Gaza Strip since the militant group staged a raid on Israel nearly seven weeks ago, according to officials and media reports.

Twelve Thai nationals were also released, according to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Dozens of Palestinian prisoners are also expected to be freed by Israel.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on November 24, setting the stage for the exchange and allowing sorely needed aid to start flowing into Gaza.

There were no reports of fighting after the truce began. The deal offered some relief for Gaza's 2.3 million people, who have endured weeks of Israeli bombardment and dwindling supplies of basic necessities, as well as for families in Israel worried about loved ones taken captive during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, which triggered the war.

The truce raised hopes of eventually winding down the conflict, which has flattened vast swaths of Gaza, fueled a surge of violence in the occupied West Bank and stirred fears of a wider conflagration across the Middle East. Israel, however, has said it is determined to resume its massive offensive once the cease-fire ends.

Under the deal, Gaza’s ruling Hamas group pledged to free at least 50 of the about 240 hostages it and other militants took in the Oct. 7 raid. In exchange, Hamas said Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Both sides agreed to release women and children first, in stages starting Friday, and as planned 13 Israelis were released, according to Israeli media, citing security officials. An Israeli official, meanwhile, confirmed that the Thai captives left Gaza and were en route to a hospital in Israel. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because she was not authorized to discuss the releases with the media.