The deal to release some Israeli hostages being held by Hamas – brokered by Qatar – went into effect last night in Israel.
Now we are learning that the first hostages to be released are on their way to the Rafah border crossing via the Red Cross who is transporting them.
🔴Report: 13 Israeli hostages handed over to Red Cross, are en route to #Rafah crossing
— i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) November 24, 2023
An Israeli official says the 13 Israeli hostages being released today from Gaza are now in the hands of the Red Cross, on their way to the Rafah crossing to Egypt.
The Thai government said that separately 12 of its citizens have been released from captivity.
שבת שלום
— Amy Spiro (@AmySpiro) November 24, 2023
This conversely means that some of the Palestinian prisoners are also being released from an Israeli prison, per the agreement:
Live update: Red Cross bus arrives at West Bank’s Ofer Prison to receive 39 freed Palestinians https://t.co/5ghfAjetw7 . Click to read ⬇️
— TOI ALERTS (@TOIAlerts) November 24, 2023
➡️⬅️Prisoner Pickup: Vans Arrive To Collect Palestinians From #Israel Jail
Israel will release 39 Palestinians – 24 women and 15 children, while #Hamas will reciprocate with 13 hostages. The transfer will be overseen by the Red Cross, who will take them to… pic.twitter.com/jWTxA2aDHV
— War Reports (@cheguwera) November 24, 2023
“Israel will release 39 Palestinians – 24 women and 15 children, while #Hamas will reciprocate with 13 hostages. The transfer will be overseen by the Red Cross, who will take them to #Jerusalem and Betunia.”
[UPDATE]
The 13 hostages are now said to have arrived and are now in Egypt:
⚡️Kann: An Israeli source confirmed the hostages arrived in Egypt
— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) November 24, 2023
The 13 Israeli hostages are now in Egypt. pic.twitter.com/dLP8oRMjlc
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) November 24, 2023
13 Israeli hostages are in the custody of the ICRC – and now receiving medical care.
— Bel Trew (@Beltrew) November 24, 2023
[UPDATE 2]
According to initial Red Cross checkup: None of the freed Israeli children are in serious condition. via @oritperlov https://t.co/YJQz6admvF
— Israel Radar (@IsraelRadar_com) November 24, 2023
[UPDATE 3]
Below are photos of the Israeli hostages that have been released: