From the Liveblog of
Friday, November 24, 2023
Health Ministry says 4 hospitals ready to receive 24 freed hostages
Renee Ghert-Zand is the health reporter and a feature writer for The Times of Israel.
The Health Ministry announces that Soroka Medical Center, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Shamir Medical, and Wolfson Medical Center are prepared to receive the 24 freed hostages returned to Israel this evening.
Thirteen Israelis, 10 Thais and one Filipino citizen were freed from Hamas captivity in two separate deals.
The 24 hostages will be brought to the hospitals after undergoing initial physical and mental health checks at the Hatzerim air force base near Beersheba.
“The former hostages will meet with their families at the hospitals and receive a package of medical and psychological care as needed,” the ministry says.
“These are sensitive moments for the families and the freed hostages. We wish to maintain their family and dignity,” it continues.
The freed hostages and their families will be cared for in designated areas of the hospitals, separate from other patients, staff and visitors. The media will be barred from accessing them initially, but the former hostages and their families can later make their own decisions about doing interviews.
The Times of Israel Community.