The Israeli military said Monday that the Red Cross was on its way to a point in the southern Gaza Strip to take custody of the second group of living hostages.

That comes after seven hostages were returned to Israel.

Hamas released seven hostages Monday, the first to be released as part of a ceasefire that paused two years of war between Israel and Hamas in the devastated Gaza Strip.

There was no immediate word on the condition of those freed. Hamas has said 20 living hostages will be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross. Tens of thousands of Israelis were watching the transfers at public screenings across t

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