Hamas begins releasing living Israeli captives as part of ceasefire deal

Hamas on Monday began releasing living Israeli captives as part of a deal to end the war in Gaza and facilitate a prisoner exchange.

The al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, handed over seven living Israeli captives to the International Red Cross in Gaza.

Israeli media confirmed that the military has received the seven captives. 

Israel Today identified the captives as Matan Engerst, Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Guy Gilboa Dalal and Omri Miran. 

A further thirteen captives are expected to be released within the next two hours.