Israel Anticipates Release of Three Hostages Today in Two Gaza Areas: Reports
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Synopsis
On February 1, the Israel Defense Forces expects the release of three hostages in Gaza. The individuals include Ofer Calderon, Keith Siegel, and Yarden Bibas. They are set to be released at two different locations, with Siegel handed over in Gaza City and the others in Khan Younis.
Key Takeaways
- Three hostages expected for release on Saturday.
- Locations include Gaza City and Khan Younis.
- Hostages will reunite with families at the IDF's Reim base.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomes previously released individuals.
- Concerns raised over the release process by Hamas.
Jerusalem, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) anticipates that the release of three Israeli hostages scheduled for Saturday morning will occur at two sites within the Gaza Strip, as reported by Israel's state-operated Kan TV News.
The list of the three individuals set for release, forwarded to Israel on Friday, comprises 54-year-old Israeli-French citizen Ofer Calderon, 65-year-old Israeli-American citizen Keith Siegel, and 35-year-old Israeli civilian Yarden Bibas.
The channel indicates that Siegel is expected to be handed over by Hamas to the Red Cross in Gaza City, while the other two hostages will be released in Khan Younis located in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Xinhua news agency.
Following their transfer to the Israeli military, the three hostages are scheduled to proceed to the IDF's Reim base near the Gaza border, where they will reunite with family members before being transported by helicopters to hospitals in central Israel.
Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his joy in welcoming home the three Israelis freed on Thursday from captivity in Gaza -- Agam Berger, Arbel Yehud, and Gadi Moses.
Netanyahu also voiced his criticism regarding the manner in which Hamas conducted their release.
“Agam, Arbel, Gadi -- welcome home,” he stated.
“The entire State of Israel embraces you, as do my wife Sara and I.”
“This release was achieved, primarily due to our heroic soldiers, and also thanks to the resolute and determined stance we maintained during the negotiations,” Netanyahu added.
Nevertheless, the Prime Minister shared some remarks about the disorder in Gaza that the freed Israelis encountered during their release, emphasizing, “We will not accept violations of the agreement. During the release of our hostages today, we all witnessed shocking scenes. We made it clear to the mediators that we do not intend to accept any risk to our hostages.”
