Hamas frees first batch of hostages under Gaza truce, including 13 Israelis

The freed Israeli hostages included eight women — six in their 70s and 80s — and three children.

Palestinians inspect their destroyed houses in Kazaa, eastern Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip (Mohammed Dahman/AP/PA)

Hamas has released the first batch of hostages under a ceasefire deal, including 13 Israelis who had been held in the Gaza Strip since the militant group staged a raid on Israel nearly seven weeks ago, according to officials.

“Those released include 13 Israeli citizens, some of whom are dual citizens, in addition to 10 Thai citizens and a Filipino citizen,” said Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry. Qatar was a key mediator in the hostage release.