13 freed hostages have re-entered Israeli territory, IDF announces

By Emanuel Fabian

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24 November 2023, 7:01 pm

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Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

International Red Cross vehicles reportedly carrying Israeli hostages released by the Hamas terror group as part of an agreement including the release of Palestinian prisoners, cross the Rafah border point in the Gaza Strip on the way to Egypt on November 24, 2023. (Atia Mohammed/Flash90)

A statement from the IDF confirms the 13 hostages are in Israeli territory, and are being escorted by special forces and the Shin Bet after undergoing an initial assessment.

“Our forces are accompanying the released hostages until they reach their families at the hospitals,” the statement says.

“The commanders of the IDF and its soldiers salute and embrace the returning hostages upon their return home,” it continues.

“We will continue to work together with the defense establishment’s bodies for the return of all the hostages,” the IDF adds.

The IDF also asks the public to “show patience and sensitivity and respect the privacy of released hostages and their families.”