Hamas deploys fighters as hostages released, in show of strength

Hamas deployed fighters in Gaza on 13 October as a release of hostages seized in the 7 October attacks was under way, in an apparent show of strength by the militant group which President Donald Trump says must disarm.

Reuters footage showed dozens of Hamas fighters lined up at a hospital in southern Gaza, and an armed man wearing the insignia of the Hamas armed wing, the Qassam Brigades.

His shoulder patch identified him as a member of the elite 'Shadow Unit', which Hamas sources say is tasked with guarding hostages.

Israel's military said it had received the first seven of 20 surviving hostages after their transfer out of Gaza by the Red Cross.

The remaining 13 confirmed living hostages, along with the bodies of 26 dead hostages and another two whose fate is unknown, are also expected to be released on Monday, along with nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and convicted prisoners.

The release of the remaining hostages in Gaza along with the Palestinian prisoners is the first stage of Trump's plan for ending the Gaza war. A ceasefire has been in place since Friday.

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