The moment 13 Israeli hostages crossed the Egyptian border into Israel after their release from Hamas captivity on Friday, November 24, 2023 (IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
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13 hostages enter Israel, escorted by IDF and Shin Bet officials • 10 Thai hostages, one Filipino freed in separate deal
The IDF confirmed it has custody of the 13 hostages released from Hamas on Friday and is accompanying them until their return to their homes.
Another Israeli source stated that the list of the released hostages for the first day corresponds to those who were released via Egypt’s Rafah crossing.
The transfer was made in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, Walla reported citing an Israeli official. This was after the IDF had completed its preparations for the reception of 13 hostages who were set to return to Israel on Friday, according to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. The hostages that crossed into Rafah met with Israeli officials, Walla reported.
A live stream for their release can be seen above, but a stream of the hostages’ release provided by the Government Press Office will be available soon.
“We have now completed the return of the first of our hostages,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Children, their mothers, and other women. But I emphasize to you – the families, and to you – the citizens of Israel: we are committed to the return of all our hostages. This is one of the goals of the war and we are committed to achieving all the goals of the war.”
Thai hostages were released as well
Additionally, it was originally reported that 12 Thai hostages would be released by Hamas in addition to the 13 Israelis released, according to Egypt’s Communications Ministry. The negotiations between Hamas and the government of Thailand were conducted separately from the negotiations with Israel, and were brokered by Qatar and Egypt, Reuters reported. Thailand’s Prime Minister confirmed their release, N12 reported. More Thai hostages are expected to be released in the coming days.
However, the Red Crossing announced that of the 24 hostages released, 13 of them were Israeli and only 11 of them were foreign. Dr. Majed Al Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Affairs Ministry, said that those released included 13 Israelis, 10 Thais, and one Filipino.
It was previously reported that 23 Thai hostages will be released unconditionally by Hamas, mediated by Iran, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed from late Thursday.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that among the hostages that were released from Gaza, four have German citizenship.
IDF Spokesman R-Adm. Daniel Hagari said that 22 hostages, comprised of Israelis and foreign citizens, have arrived at Hatzerim Airbase, from where they will soon take off to the hospitals and be reunited with their families.
Two Israeli citizens were transported to Wolfson Medical Center via ambulance, the Health Ministry stated. IAF helicopters are waiting at Hatzerim to fly the other released hostages to the other hospitals, who have stated that they are prepared to treat them.
The IDF worked in coordination with government ministries and other branches of the defense establishment to formulate a procedure to quickly bring back the hostages and provide the necessary care.
The released hostages will be brought to hospitals where they will meet their families. They will be released through the Rafah crossing into Egypt before being flown to Israel. The Egyptian Communications Ministry said that they are preparing for the hostages’ release at the crossing, which includes the Thai hostages. Hebrew media reported. Shin Bet personnel are waiting for the hostages on the Egyptian side at the Rafah crossing who are supposed to verify their identities, Walla reported.
This procedure is designed to make sure that there are no gaps between what was agreed and who returned. There is no intention to interrogate anyone at this time.
The hostages released on Friday were reportedly held in the southern Gaza Strip, Walla reported citing an estimation made by an Israeli security source.
Israeli Prison Service commissioner Katy Perry arrived at the ‘Damon’ prison to observe the release of the prisoners, as part of the plan for the exchange of the hostages.
“This is our mission, for the sake of returning the hostages home, and we will do it to the best of our abilities,” Perry said.
Walla reported, quoting Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, saying that “there will be a brief pause,” during his meeting with his Italian counterpart. “And then we will continue to operate with full military force against Hamas. We will not stop until we achieve our goals – the destruction of Hamas and the return of all the hostages.”
Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be in the Operations Directorate war room in HaKirya in Tel Aviv. The two Israeli leaders will closely monitor the management of the operation to bring the hostages from Hamas captivity to Israel.
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and his military Sec.-Gen. Avi Gil.
Around the same time, a senior IDF Southern Command official stated that “any attempt to violate the ceasefire will be met with force,” and instructed to formulate an orderly battle procedure for the continuation of the ground maneuver in Gaza and to prepare for the continuation of the fighting immediately after the end of the ceasefire, Walla reported.
As for Palestinian prisoners being released by Israel, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) teams began a multi-day operation on Friday to facilitate the release and transfer of the prisoners to the West Bank. The operation will include additional supplies of humanitarian aid to Gaza. As part of its role as a neutral mediator, the ICRC will, within a few days, transfer hostages held in Gaza to Israeli authorities.
Qatari Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ansari confirmed that 39 Palestinian prisoners, comprising women and children, were released by Israel.
“The deep pain felt by family members who have been separated from their loved ones is indescribable. We are relieved that some of them will be reunited after a long period of grief,” said Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC’s regional director for the Middle East. “Our wish is that all the hostages be released and that citizens be protected from the pain and suffering caused by an armed conflict.”
American captives will not be part of the first group of hostages released
American citizens taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza will not be part of the first group of 13 hostages released on Friday afternoon, CNN reported citing an unnamed US official.
However, the United States “remains hopeful” Americans will be among the some 50 hostages set for release as part of the four-day ceasefire deal.
The White House, however, issued a statement, stating it was pleased that the hostage release procedure is progressing, and also said that it was working to release American hostages held by Hamas.
