Hostages Released by Hamas in Gaza After 50 Days

News: Hostages previously held by Hamas in Gaza for nearly 50 days are now being released. The International Committee for the Red Cross is overseeing the release process, and the first group, consisting of 13 women and children, is already en route out of Gaza in ambulances. Israel has established a rescue center named “Heaven’s Door” to welcome the freed hostages. This signifies the initiation of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, scheduled for a four-day truce period starting at 7 am local time.

Operation “Heaven’s Door”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have designated the operation for receiving the released hostages as “Heaven’s Door.” Following their release, the hostages will undergo a brief physical and mental checkup at an airbase in southern Israel. Additionally, they will be equipped with phones to facilitate communication with their families.

Prisoner Exchange

To secure the release of at least 50 out of the 240 hostages abducted on October 7, Hamas has agreed to an exchange, involving 150 Palestinian prisoners. In response, Israel is releasing 24 women and 15 teenage boys. The Prime Minister of Thailand has confirmed the liberation of 12 Thai hostages held by Hamas, and arrangements are underway for embassy officials to retrieve them.

CCTV Footage and Emotional Reunions

Israel released CCTV footage revealing Hamas terrorists forcibly taking hostages, including a Thai civilian, into Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital. Among those released by Hamas is nine-year-old Emily Hand, an Irish-Israeli girl who was taken from her bed during a sleepover in October.

Anxiously Awaited Release

At the Rafah crossing point, hundreds of people anxiously awaited the release of the hostages, whose condition, after seven weeks of captivity, remains uncertain. The Israel Defense Forces have established reception points with medical assistance. The operation, dubbed “Heaven’s Door,” entails transporting the hostages, including children, to the Hatzerim airbase for thorough checkups.

Families Await Reunion

The families of the released hostages are eagerly anticipating their arrival at the hospitals, with hotel rooms already reserved for them in the area. The process of releasing the remaining hostages from Hamas captivity will persist over the next four days as part of the ongoing “Heaven’s Door” operation.

FAQs:

Q: How many individuals who were taken captive have been set free up to this point?

A: The initial set of captives, comprising 13 women and children, has already been freed.

Q: What objective does the “Heaven’s Door” operation aim to achieve?

A: The objective of the operation is to welcome the liberated hostages, conduct essential examinations, and facilitate their reunion with their families.

Q: What is the expected duration of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas?

A: The truce will extend over a span of four days, commencing at 7 am local time.