Large crowds, gunmen gather at Gaza City square where Red Cross waiting to receive hostages

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Hamas gunmen seen in Gaza square ahead of the expected handover of Israeli hostages, January 19, 2025 (Channel 12 screenshot)
Hamas gunmen seen in Gaza square ahead of the expected handover of Israeli hostages, January 19, 2025 (Channel 12 screenshot)

A large crowd of Palestinians is seen gathering next to Red Cross vehicles at the Saraya Square in central Gaza City, apparently where Hamas will hand over the three Israeli hostages.

Images shared by Palestinian media show dozens of Hamas gunmen and photographers at the scene. In the previous hostage deal, Hamas released propaganda videos showing the release of Israeli captives.

As of now, Hamas has not yet handed hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher to the Red Cross, Israeli officials have said.

Most Popular