The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released the names of 13 freed hostages by Hamas in a swap deal on Friday.
Hamas had earlier today released 24 hostages, which included 13 Israelites. 11 other foreign nationals were also released.
The Israelis include four children – aged two, four, six and nine – as well as an 85-year-old woman
The individuals who have been freed include Doron Katz Asher (34), Raz Asher (four), Aviv Asher (two), Daniele Aloni (45), Emilia Aloni (six), Ruth Munder (78), Keren Munder (54), Ohad Munder (nine), Adina Moshe (72), Hanna Katzir (76), Margalit Mozes (77), Channah Peri (79), and Yafa Adar (85).
A release from the Prime Minister’s office conveyed that the Israeli government warmly welcomed its returning citizens, affirming its dedication to bringing back all abducted individuals and those who went missing.
The statement mentioned that the citizens underwent an initial medical check-up, and their families were promptly notified by designated authorities about their safe return.
Simultaneously, 39 Palestinian detainees previously held by Israel have been transferred to the West Bank in line with the agreement. The BBC reported that this group consists of 24 women and 15 teenage boys, most of whom had been in pre-trial detention.
Under the terms of the deal, a total of 50 Israeli hostages and 150 Palestinian detainees are meant to be released over four days during a temporary ceasefire.