2023-11-24 16:53:20
The process of releasing the first group of Israeli hostages – women and children – from Gaza under the four-day ceasefire agreement is underway.
The first 13 were handed over to the Red Cross and are being taken to the Rafah crossing to be taken to Egypt. From there they are expected to return in helicopters under military guard. Time published the information that families of hostages have arrived at the hospitals where their relatives will be taken.
In total, approximately 240 hostages have been held in the Gaza Strip since October 7. It is recalled that in the previous weeks two American women (mother and daughter) and two elderly Israeli women had been released. Israel has recovered the bodies of at least two hostages. There is no clear information on the condition of the rest and their places of detention.
At the same time, the release of 39 Palestinians from Israeli prisons and their transfer to the West Bank is expected.
12 Thais were released
Shortly after 4pm, Thailand’s prime minister confirmed that 12 Thai hostages had been released. “Cairo’s mediation efforts resulted in the release of 12 Thai hostages from the captivity of Hamas,” said Egyptian sources, cited by Time. The Thai hostages were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7.
At least 23 Thai workers are believed to be among the approximately 240 people captured by Hamas. According to the Thai foreign ministry, about 30,000 Thais were employed mainly in Israel’s agricultural sector.
Preparation fever
A little earlier, Cairo announced that it had prepared everything for the safe transfer of the hostages. At the same time, measures have been taken to reduce the psychological pressure, as well as to deal with any immediate medical complications.
Ahead of the release of the first 13 hostages, whose identities have not been released, the Israeli air force released images of dolls, colorful throws and hygiene kits placed at locations where the hostages will arrive by helicopter. “It’s the first light at the end of the tunnel,” an Israeli air force lieutenant colonel said in a video. “We’re all in this together,” he added.
Their transport is by helicopter
A military statement asked the public to respect the hostages’ privacy. After landing in Israel, they will receive medical attention and then be taken to hospitals, where they will be reunited with their relatives.
An Israeli official said military helicopters would take part in the repatriation, suggesting they would pick up the hostages from an Egyptian airport, perhaps in El Aris, near Gaza. It has not been officially confirmed by Cairo.
Helicopter crews will include commandos, medics and officers trained in communication and counseling. These will be the first Israelis to welcome the former hostages.
Measures to reduce stress
According to the Israeli official, staff will introduce themselves by name and maintain eye contact and distance to allow caregivers and support groups to do their work to the best of their ability.
Among other means to reduce the stress of the former hostages will be the provision of headphones, especially for children “to improve the experience of the flight”, the official said.
Health officials said the hostages will receive psychological support and specialized care for those who have been sexually assaulted or assaulted.
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