Finally, some good news out of Gaza as officials, on Friday, announced that 25 hostages have been released by Hamas. 13 of the hostages are Israeli and 12 are Thai nationals.
13 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been released, Israeli prime minister's office says. Follow live updates. https://t.co/JRRK33uS6A
— CNN (@CNN) November 24, 2023
The Israeli prime minister’s office confirmed the release of the Israeli hostages.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described their preparations to receive the hostages ahead of their release.
We have completed preparations to receive the released hostages upon their return to Israel from Gaza.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 24, 2023
In coordination with government ministries and security authorities, we have prepared to quickly receive the released hostages and give them all the necessary support.
We… pic.twitter.com/ndbKEdGD1d
On Twitter/X, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced the release of the 12 Thai hostages moments before the exchange.
It has been confirmed by the Security Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that There are 12 Thai hostages already released. Embassy officials are on their way to pick them up in another hour. Their names and details should be known. Please stay tuned.
No American citizens are among the initial group released.
The Israeli captives have been released to the Red Cross.
Thirteen Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas have now been transferred to the Red Cross, according to Israel TV stations, as part of a broader four-day truce deal.
The exchange took place at roughly 4:30 p.m. local time, after a humanitarian pause in fighting was implemented at 7 a.m. earlier on Friday, under the terms of the same agreement. It was initially disclosed that the Friday swap would see 13 captives released by Hamas in exchange for the freedom of 24 women and 15 teenage boys from Israeli custody.
The exchange is taking place at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
The Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza is being prepared to receive hostages released by Hamas in preparation for their transfer to the Israeli side, the head of the state information service Diaa Rashwan had said in a statement.
The welcome news comes after the initial anticipated exchange was delayed by a day, prompting some concern that it may not materialize after all.
This is a developing story. RedState will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
