Seventeen hostages, including 14 Israelis and three Thai nationals, were released from Hamas captivity and returned to Israel on Sunday evening. The Israeli group comprised nine children, two mothers, two women, and a man. Despite initial health checks indicating good condition, an elderly Israeli was immediately airlifted to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba for treatment.
Among the freed was 4-year-old Avigail Idan, an American-Israeli from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Avigail tragically lost her parents to a Hamas terrorist attack on October 7. Her release was a commitment repeatedly made by US President Joe Biden.
Hamas militants have freed 17 more hostages.
โ Sky News (@SkyNews) November 26, 2023
The latest exchange saw 14 Israeli hostages plus three Thai nationals returned, with 39 Palestinian prisoners freed.
This footage shows Red Cross representatives transferring the 17 hostages out of Gaza late on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/9cqPHRA8WR
The hostages were released to the Red Cross around 5 p.m. and then handed over to Israeli forces. This operation was distinct from previous ones, as it did not occur at the Rafah crossing but through the northern Gaza border fence. Reports suggest the hostages were held in the Gaza City area, possibly untouched by the IDF's extensive ground offensive.
Upon their return, the group was first taken to Hatzerim Airbase near Beersheba, followed by reunions with their families at hospitals. The release was particularly significant for the Kfar Aza community, as ten hostages hailed from there. Their return was celebrated exuberantly by the kibbutz members at an event in Shefayim.
Welcome home ๐:
โ Israel ืืฉืจืื ๐ฎ๐ฑ (@Israel) November 26, 2023
The Government of Israel embraces the 17 hostages who are returning to Israel today (Sunday, 26 November 2023): 14 of our citizens and three foreign nationals, who have returned to Israeli territory.
The Government of Israel is committed to the return of allโฆ
Roni Krivoi, a dual Russian-Israeli citizen, was also among the released. His freedom, secured at President Vladimir Putin's request, was an exception to the ongoing Israel-Hamas agreement. This deal aims to release 50 Israelis over four days, focusing on children, mothers, and women. Krivoi and the three Thai nationals were the only ones released through Rafah.
The release occurred smoothly, contrasting with the delay in the second group's release, which had jeopardized the temporary truce. With this operation, 183 hostages, including 18 children and 43 women, are believed to remain in Hamas captivity.
Does anyone with 1/2 brain believe that Hamas would adhere to a cease fire if they were defeating Israel on the battlefield? ๐
โ Hello 2 You (@m4s1w7) November 27, 2023
WATCH LIVE: IDF confirms return of 14 Israeli, three foreign hostages https://t.co/X7TiqzorW4
As part of the exchange, the Israel Prison Service announced the impending release of 39 Palestinian convicts, including a Gazan resident. The final destination of this individual, either Gaza or the West Bank, remains unclear.
This exchange marked the third of four planned days of such releases, with the possibility of extending the calm if Hamas agrees to free more hostages.
As the hostages crossed into Israel, their families, informed by the government through Qatar's mediation, awaited them in Israeli hospitals. The Israeli government has emphasized the prioritization of releasing children and their mothers in the current deal. Despite the joy of their return, many hostages face a mixed reality, with loved ones either lost or still held in Gaza.
