PMO’s Hostages Directorate says Israel ready to receive potential freed captives

The Hostages, Missing Persons and Returnees Directorate of the Prime Minister’s Office says in a statement it is “routinely prepared” for any hostage deal, amid reports that Israel and Hamas were on the brink of agreeing a hostage-ceasefire deal.

“In recent weeks, the Directorate has carried out a number of preparedness exercises for various scenarios, in partnership with the relevant government offices and other professional bodies, and has ensured that they are ready to take care of the returnees and their families,” the statement says.

“Media outlets and the public are requested to respect the privacy of the families in this complicated time,” it continues.

“The Hostages Directorate keeps in continuous contact with the families with regard to all new updates on the negotiations, and will continue to accompany the families of the hostages, hoping and praying for all of their swift return home, ” the statement says.