Hamas Asks For The Role Of The International Red Cross In The Release Of Hostages In Gaza

Four Israeli female soldiers who have been held hostage by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attack, were released in Gaza on January 25, 2025. (The Hindu/Reuters)

JAKARTA - Hamas on Saturday asked the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to go to the designated transfer point in Gaza, which is the location of the four Israeli female hostages who will be released, reports Channel 12 Israel.

An Anadolu correspondent said that in the early hours of the morning, an ICRC convoy had departed for the Slom Brake Crossing in the southern Gaza Strip.

The convoy consists of several Red Cross vehicles, including a bus with a capacity of 20-25 passengers.

However, there has been no response regarding this from the Red Cross.

Meanwhile, a number of witnesses said that dozens of members of the Al-Qassam and Al-Quds Brigades were deployed in Palestine Square in Gaza City, along with thousands of residents to prepare for the handover of Israeli hostages.

Separately, the hostages' families said they had been notified that the release was expected to be carried out at around 17.00 WIB, according to Israel's Channel 13.

Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement of three stages taking effect on Sunday (19/1).

The agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

In addition, the agreement called on both sides to maintain calm, which aims to reach a permanent ceasefire as well as withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza.