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How many hostages will be released? Israeli officials confirm preliminary list of names has been received and that they are in touch with families
The first group of hostages released by Hamas under a deal with Israel were safely returned Friday, bringing to an end the first stage of the painstakingly negotiated arrangement between the warring sides with the help of foreign mediation.
The agreement opened the way for sorely needed aid to flow into Gaza for beleaguered residents.
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A quarter of Nir Oz’s original population of 427 had been killed or taken hostage – 40 were murdered and a further 79 kidnapped, including 16 of the 32 children
Roughly two dozen hostages, including four children, were released from Gaza on Friday, becoming the first group of captives in the enclave freed under an exchange agreement that came into effect hours earlier.