Top officials confirmed the release of some Hamas captives on Friday.
Hamas on Friday released the first group of hostages as part of an agreement between the terrorist organization and Israel amid a ceasefire. In exchange, Israel released the first 39 Palestinians from its jails later in the day.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the Israeli military is currently “with the released hostages,” who underwent “an initial medical assessment inside Israeli territory.”
“They will continue to be accompanied by IDF soldiers as they make their way to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families,” the statement said, adding that the IDF and “entire Israeli security establishment will continue operating until all the hostages are returned home.”
Israel released the names of the 13 Israeli hostages, which included four children accompanied by four family members, and five other elderly women.
“The released hostages underwent an initial medical assessment inside Israeli territory. They will continue to be accompanied by IDF soldiers as they make their way to Israeli hospitals, where they will be reunited with their families,” the military said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message: “We have just completed the return of the first batch of our hostages. Children, their mothers and other women. Each and every one of them is a world in itself. But I stress to you, the families, and to you, citizens of Israel: We are committed to returning all our hostages.”
Thai officials confirmed that 12 captured nationals were among those who were released by Hamas.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said in a social media post that the 12 Thais had been released from captivity in Gaza. There was no further information immediately available about the Thai prisoners, whose release had not previously been announced as one of the terms of an agreed prisoner swap accompanying the first truce of the seven-week-old war.
“I have received confirmation from our national security team and ministry of foreign affairs that 12 Thai hostages have been released. Our RTE staffs are on their way to receive them,” Mr. Thavisin said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We should know more about their names and details, please stay tuned,” Mr. Thavisin added.
By Jack Phillips
