Trump hints at 'action' if Hamas doesn't return hostage bodies

The office of Israel's prime minister’s released the names of the first seven hostages released on Monday.

They are: Ohel Alon, Angrest Matan, Berman Gali, Berman Ziv, Gilboa-Dalal Guy, Mor Eitan and Miran Omri, according to the statement.

"Their families have been informed by the authorized authorities that they have joined our forces in the Gaza Strip and will soon make their way to Israeli territory," the office said in a statement.

The seven crossed into Israeli territory, Avichay Adraee, an IDF spokesperson, said on social media.

-ABC News’ Jordana Miller and Victoria Beaule

The first seven hostages to be returned on Monday were making their way to Israeli territory accompanied by members of the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet, the internal security agency, according to Israel.

"The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel," Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an IDF spokesperson, said in a statement.

Additional hostages are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on Monday, Israel said.

-ABC News' Victoria Beaule

The return of the first seven hostages on Monday amounted to an "historic moment," U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said.

"Surreal to be here as first group of hostages are released," he said on social media. "It’s a moment like the moon landing where time freezes as we watch this historic moment."

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.