Israel Welcomes Home 13 Hostages; 39 Palestinian Prisoners Released

In a significant development, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released the names of all 13 hostages who have been safely reunited with their families after being held captive by Hamas during the October 7 terror attacks. The hostages were part of a swap deal brokered by the US and Qatar, where 24 Hamas hostages were exchanged for 39 Palestinian prisoners.

Among the 13 rescued individuals were 11 foreign nationals, emphasizing the international dimension of the hostage situation. The Israeli government, in a statement, expressed its commitment to the return of all abductees and missing persons.

The list of returned hostages includes members of the Asher, Aloni, and Monder families, as well as five other Israeli nationals. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office detailed the names and ages of the individuals, highlighting the diversity of those rescued.

The hostages underwent an initial medical examination, and their families were promptly informed of their return. The Israeli government, in coordination with security forces, accompanied the released hostages as they reunited with their anxious families.

Earlier on Friday, the first group of Israeli hostages was handed over to the International Committee for the Red Cross as part of the broader hostage deal. The truce, brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas, came into effect at 7 am (local time) on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), announced the completion of the return of the first group of hostages, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to bringing back all hostages from Gaza.

US President Joe Biden acknowledged the development, stating that it marks the “start of a process” and expressing hope for the return of “dozens of hostages” over the coming days. There are indications that Hamas may release more hostages in exchange for extending the ceasefire, with each additional day corresponding to the release of 10 Israeli hostages.

However, it’s important to note that the released hostages represent only a fraction of the approximately 240 people held captive by Hamas terrorists since the October 7 attack on Israel. The situation remains dynamic as efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining hostages.