Defense Ministry says it’s preparing for release of Gaza hostages in upcoming ceasefire with Hamas

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

The Defense Ministry says it is preparing for the release of the hostages from the Gaza Strip in the upcoming ceasefire with Hamas.

Defense Minister Israel Katz and the ministry’s director general, Eyal Zamir, held an assessment today with officials from the ministry, IDF, and COGAT as part of those preparations.

Katz and Zamir “directed that all ministry capabilities be made available for implementing the hostage release deal, receiving the returning hostages, and supporting their families,” a statement says.

The ministry says its Rehabilitation Department and Department of Families and Commemoration “have been placed on full alert alongside the IDF.”

“They will provide all necessary assistance and support to the returning hostages and their families in all aspects, emphasizing close medical and mental health care and support, and will enhance emotional support and guidance for all families,” the ministry says.

The ministry’s Engineering and Construction Department, Logistics and Assets Department, and Crossing Points Authority “will conduct an accelerated operational, logistical effort to execute all aspects required by the IDF to implement the deal, including infrastructure work and providing all logistical solutions needed for the operation’s success,” the statement adds.

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