IDF escorts 13 Israeli hostages home following Gaza release UPDATED

Thirteen Israeli hostages, recently released in Gaza, have met with representatives of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Service (ISA) and are now on their way back to Israel, according to a joint statement published on the IDF’s Telegram, cited by Caliber.Az.

“The 13 freed hostages are currently being escorted by IDF and ISA personnel to Israel, where they will undergo initial medical checks,” the statement said. It added that IDF commanders and soldiers are personally welcoming and embracing the returning hostages as they make their journey home.

The statement also stressed the importance of public discretion, urging citizens to act responsibly, respect the privacy of the returning hostages, and rely only on official information for updates.

The handover in Gaza represents a key milestone in the ongoing operation to bring Israelis held captive back home safely. The IDF confirmed that it is prepared to receive additional hostages, who are expected to be transferred to the International Committee of the Red Cross at a later stage.

12:35

Hamas has released the remaining 13 Israeli hostages, who have been handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip, Channel 12 reports.

According to the Red Cross, the hostages “appear to be in satisfactory condition,” the channel added.

Medical teams are en route to Israeli territory to transfer the freed hostages to the Israeli military.

By Tamilla Hasanova