India, Oct. 13 -- Hamas on Monday released the first seven of 20 hostages as part of a new ceasefire agreement with Israel, according to officials.

The hostages - held in Gaza for nearly two years - were first handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) before being transferred to Israeli forces.

"Personnel from the IDF Manpower Directorate and IDF medical teams are accompanying the released hostages, who will undergo initial medical evaluations before reuniting with their families at a reception point in southern Israel," the IDF said in a statement posted on X.

The army said its teams are also assisting family members waiting at hospitals and "providing them with ongoing updates."

Red Cross vehicles were also ...