6 people in their 70s or older… 4 children and 3 mothers
Scheduled to be transferred to hospital after receiving basic checkup
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Hamas’ release of 13 Israeli hostages on the first day of a humanitarian ceasefire.
According to the Times of Israel on the 24th (local time), Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office said in its first statement after the hostages were released, “We welcome the return of our people.”
The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized, “We are doing our best to ensure the return of all hostages,” and “(The release of hostages) is one of the war goals, and we are doing our best to achieve all goals.”
“Our citizens underwent initial health checks and their families were notified of their return,” he said, confirming that 11 foreigners, including 10 Thais and one Filipino, were also released.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also released a statement saying that 13 hostages were on Israeli territory and were receiving special forces and Shin Bet security after an initial assessment.
Hamas released a total of 24 people, including 13 Israeli hostages, 10 Thais, and 1 Filipino, in accordance with the humanitarian ceasefire agreement that day.
The Israeli hostages, including six women in their 70s or older, four children aged between 2 and 9, and their three mothers, were released. It was confirmed that a 77-year-old woman who was previously announced dead by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an armed group in the Gaza Strip, was among those released.
The hostages will undergo basic physical and mental health checks at Hazerim Air Base and then be transported to four hospitals across Israel. At the hospital, patients are treated in a designated area separate from other patients, staff, and visitors.
“The hostages will meet their families at the hospital and receive medical and psychological treatment as needed,” the Israeli Defense Ministry explained. The Ministry of National Defense said that after recovery, media interviews can be conducted if desired.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.