Earlier on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the three hostages—Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—had been transferred to the Red Cross, which escorted them into Israeli territory.

Hamas staged a public event before their release, forcing the hostages to participate in a propaganda display.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Egypt's foreign minister on Tuesday (Jan 28) it was important to ensure Hamas can never govern Gaza again, the State Department said, with their call coming after President Donald Trump suggested Egypt and Jordan should take more Palestinians.