The handover took place in the Gaza Strip, specifically in Jabaliya and Khan Younis, where the armed militants escorted Israeli hostages, including a soldier. Tensions peaked as local Palestinians clamored to witness the return of their captives, which Netanyahu condemned as a demonstration of Hamas's brutality. His government briefly delayed the projected release of Palestinian prisoners, although subsequent assurances from international mediators facilitated the continuation of the prisoner exchange.

Images emerged from Tel Aviv showing public gatherings to watch the exchange, emphasizing the ongoing emotional and political stakes related to the conflict that has extended over 15 months. As negotiations continue, the situation remains fluid and further exchanges could hinge on the safe retrieval of hostages in subsequent rounds.