Hostage transfers under Red Cross: Did Hamas try to stage a ‘ceremony’?

As of publication, major outlets covering the transfers reported the timing, locations, and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) role, without confirming any ceremony.

Israeli and international reports on Monday morning described an operation beginning in southern Gaza under the broader exchange framework, with the ICRC facilitating the pickup of hostages and transfer to designated reception points. Coverage emphasized that the handover would take place at several locations under tight security and international oversight, and that Israel Defense Forces preparations focused on receiving the returnees and conducting medical screenings.

Hebrew-language media similarly focused on logistics, noting that Hamas was not expected to stage official ceremonies during the transfers. Editors and commentators cautioned that the group could still film or otherwise exploit moments of the handover for propaganda, a pattern seen in previous exchanges.

The ICRC has consistently said it facilitates such operations on strictly humanitarian grounds and avoids publicizing operational details to protect those involved. In past statements around similar exchanges, the organization has stressed the need to preserve the dignity and privacy of hostages and their families.

During earlier exchanges this year, some handovers in Gaza were conducted in highly visible settings that drew criticism for appearing staged. That experience is driving Monday’s caution among officials and newsrooms. However, by mid-morning, there was no authoritative confirmation that a comparable, choreographed event was planned or underway in Khan Yunis.

As of late Monday morning in Israel, credible media reports did not confirm that Hamas planned or held a formal “ceremony” for the day’s hostage releases. Coverage remained centered on Red Cross supervision, designated transfer points, and a tightly managed return process.

The handover follows the IDF’s full repositioning over the weekend, a key condition for activating the first tranche of the agreement. The government had simultaneously prepared a parallel list of Palestinian prisoners for release, with final approvals confirmed just ahead of implementation. Disputes over specific names and timing were resolved in recent days as part of finalizing the schedule.

Monday’s release marks the beginning of a rolling process expected to continue over the coming days. Additional groups, including deceased hostages, are to be freed in coordination with further Red Cross-supervised exchanges, under the same verification and transfer protocols. Movements are tracked from staging areas in Gaza to border transfer points and onward to reception centers in Israel.

The hostages were abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks and held for approximately 737 days as of October 13, 2025. The coordinated assault, which included infiltrations and widespread rocket fire on communities in southern Israel, triggered the war and set the stage for the current ceasefire and exchange framework.

The releases coincide with a high-profile visit to Israel by US President Donald Trump, who is expected to land later on Monday and speak at the Knesset.