As a part of the deal made between Israel and Hamas for their brief truce, the Palestine-based militant group released a second group of Israeli and foreign civilians it had been holding hostage in the Gaza Strip. As per the Israeli ministry, Hamas initially delayed the exchange for hours, claiming that Israel had violated the terms of their truce agreement. The accusations were denied by Israeli officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that there were 13 Israelis and four Thai nationals released. Among the Israelis were seven children ranging in age from 3 to 16, and six Israeli women between the age group of 18 and 67. The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross, which was delayed for hours from the slated time. The Israeli military said on Saturday that the hostages released from Hamas captivity have arrived in Israel.
Representatives from the @ICRC just transferred 17 hostages via Egypt, including 13 Israeli and 4 Thai hostages, to ISA and IDF Special Forces, as they make their way to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families.
We have been preparing to welcome our… pic.twitter.com/ulogSb2hk5
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 25, 2023
As per the Israeli ministry, a medical assessment will be held, following which the released captives will be accompanied to Israeli hospitals by Israel Defense Forces, where they will be united by their families.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office dropped a post on X, stating that 13 of their citizens along with Thai nationals are on their way to Israeli territory.
Take a look:
The Government of Israel embraces the 17 hostages who are returning to Israel today: 13 of our citizens and four Thai nationals, who are en route to Israeli territory. Their families have been updated by the responsible officials that they are en route to the country.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) November 25, 2023
For the unversed, these hostages were released by Hamas post 50 days in captivity. They were captured by the terror group on October 7, when the entire conflict began.
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