While 24 hostages kidnapped by the Palestinian armed group Hamas were released, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on the 24th (local time) that the first examination of the hostages released by Hamas confirmed that all of them were in good condition.
According to a report in the local daily newspaper Times of Israel, IDF chief spokesman Maj. Gen. Daniel Hagari said at a briefing this evening, “All the released hostages have completed physical and mental examinations at Hacherim Air Base and are talking on the phone with their families.”
He explained, “The hostages from Thailand and the Philippines will meet representatives from their countries at the air force base,” and “Then all 24 will be taken to the hospital by air force helicopter to meet their families.”
Director Hagari said, “Among the hostages released today was Hanna Katzir, who the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) claimed was killed. “This is proof that you should rely on official announcements.”
“We must not forget that there are people who are still detained in Gaza or have family members or relatives who have been killed,” he said. “The safe return of the hostages is a great sadness mixed with joy and excitement,” he added.
Hamas released a total of 24 hostages, including 13 Israeli hostages, 10 Thais, and 1 Filipino, in accordance with the temporary ceasefire agreement that day. The hostages were handed over to the Israeli military through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Previously, the two sides agreed to a four-day ceasefire in exchange for 50 of the 240 Israeli hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire period is extended by one day for each additional 10 hostages released beyond the 50 already agreed upon by both sides.
Song Chi-hoon,
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.