The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed 13 Israeli hostages had returned to Israel on Friday. And the released hostages are having initial medical treatment and assessments.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, which helped broker the agreement, confirmed that the 24 Palestinian prisoners were released as part of the deal.
The Red Cross transported the freed detainees on Friday from Gaza to the Rafah border with Egypt.
Ten Thai citizens and one Filipino citizen have also been freed under a separate agreement.
Israel’s military, led by Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, asserted its commitment to the offensive. The IDF chief declared, “We are not ending the war. We will continue until we win,” indicating a persistent and uncompromising stance.
Simultaneously, Israel and Lebanon reported intensified attacks along their borders. Lebanon’s militant group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing numerous rockets, leading to interceptions by Israel’s air defense. The escalating situation highlights the complexity of the geopolitical landscape in the region.
