The families of 13 hostages released by Hamas after 48 days of captivity expressed relief and said they hoped more would be released on Saturday.
The group transferred on Friday evening included several elderly women and mothers with children.
About 40 Palestinian prisoners accused of petty crimes were released by Israel through the mediation of Qatar.
Ten Thai nationals and one Filipino were also released by Hamas under a separate agreement.
It is hoped that a total of 50 Israeli hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners will be released within four days during a temporary lull in fighting.
Egyptian officials confirmed Saturday that 14 more Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for 42 Palestinian prisoners in a second round of talks.
“We have completed the return of the first of our hostages. Children, their mothers and other women. Each of them forms a whole world,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“But I stress to you – the families and you – the citizens of Israel: we are committed to the return of all our hostages.”
“I won’t celebrate until the last kidnapped person returns.”
Those released Friday included Doron Katz Asher, 34, and her two daughters, Raz, four, and Aviv, two.
Her husband Yoni Asher told the BBC: “I am determined to see my family restored from the trauma and terrible grief we have endured.”
“I do not celebrate and will not celebrate until the last kidnapped person returns.”
The video also shows Hamas terrorists handing over 72-year-old Adina Moshe to the Red Cross.
Her husband Said was killed during an attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7.
Erez Moshe, her 9-year-old grandson, told an Israeli TV channel: “This is the happiest day of my life – I will hug her tightly.”
Yair Moses shared a photo of his 77-year-old mother Margalit surrounded by her children after she returned home.
“Mom is back!” Mr. Moses wrote.
Daniel Aloni and her six-year-old daughter Emilia were kidnapped during a holiday visit to Nir Oz.
Photos show the mother hugging relatives after they were released on Friday evening.
“Daniel sent his family a final message saying terrorists were in their home and she feared they would not survive. Daniel and Emilia are now traveling to Israel,” the Forum for Hostages and Missing Families said in a statement.
Daniel’s sister Sharon Aloni-Cunio was also abducted, along with her three-year-old twins Emma and Yuli and their father David Cunio.
Ohad Munder spent nine years in captivity.
Keren Mander, 54, and her nine-year-old son Ohad were captured on October 7 while visiting their 78-year-old grandmother, Ruthie Mander.
All three have already been published.
Video footage showed the Hamas terrorist hugging Ohad as he was handed over to the Red Cross.
A schoolboy who loves Rubik’s cubes celebrated his ninth birthday in captivity.
Yafa Adar, an 85-year-old grandmother, was also released.
The footage shows how Hamas terrorists took her to Gaza on October 7 in a golf cart.
Ms. Adar appeared to be smiling, and her granddaughter Adwa recently said: “A lot of people told us they were very inspired when they saw her smiling in the golf cart because you could see how strong she was.” She.”
Hana Katzir, 76, was also among those released weeks after the Islamic Jihad terror group, closely linked to Hamas, said she had died in captivity.
Her husband Rami was killed in the October 7 attacks, and her son Elad remains in captivity.
British-Israeli daughter Channa Peri, 79, spoke of her worries for her mother ahead of her release on Friday.
Ayelet Swatitzky recounted her ordeal at the Israeli embassy in London, saying simply: “Life has stopped.”
Her brother Roy was killed and another Nadav is still in captivity.
Bongbong Marcos, President of the Philippines, tweeted: “I am very pleased to confirm that Filipino Mr. Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco was among the first group of 24 hostages released by Hamas yesterday.”
“He is now in the custody of our Israeli embassy staff. I commend the work of the Philippine Foreign Service in securing his release and once again thank the State of Qatar for its invaluable assistance in making Jimmy’s release possible.
“We remain concerned about the whereabouts of another of our citizens, Ms. Noralene Babadilla, and will make every effort to locate and ensure her safety if she is one of the hostages.”
“We pray for the continued success of the ceasefire and for the release of all hostages.”
Thai authorities named the freed hostages as Nattawari Munkan, Santi Boonprom, Boonthom Phankhong, Mongkhol Phajuabboon, Vitun Phumi, Wichai Kalapat, Bancha Kongmani, Buddy Saengboon, Uthai Thunsri and Uthai Sangnuan.
Source: I News
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