Israel secures release of six hostages from Hamas in Gaza

Israel has secured the release of six hostages from Hamas in Gaza. The freed individuals include Eliya Cohen, Avera Mengistu, Hisham al-Sayed, Omer Shem Tov, Tal Shoham, and Omer Wenkert. Cohen, Shem Tov, Shoham, and Wenkert were taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks. Mengistu and al-Sayed had been in captivity for over a decade due to mental health issues. The hostages were handed over to Red Cross representatives before being transferred to Israeli forces. Families expressed gratitude but also called for continued efforts to bring home remaining captives.