Seven of the remaining hostages taken from Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, were received by the Red Cross and were making their way back to Israel from the Gaza Strip, according to the Red Cross.

“After 738 days in captivity, the IAF is ready to meet our hostages and bring them back home,” the Israeli Air Force said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, which is facilitating the exchange between Hamas and Israel in northern Gaza, said early on Monday that the process had begun.

“We have started a multi-phase operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages and detainees as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas,” the group said in an updated press release.

Israel’s military said earlier on Monday that the transfer were expected to be split, with “several” hostages being released during the first transfer to the Red Cross.

“The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later,” the IDF said prior to the first transfer.