Israel and the occupied territories: More families reunited as ICRC completes third stage of release operations

“We are relieved that more people have been safely returned home,” said ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric. “However, today’s conditions underscore the importance of all parties upholding their agreements and ensuring operations take place in a safe and dignified manner. The security of these operations must be assured, and we urge improvements in the future.”

The ICRC facilitated the transfer of three Israeli and five Thai hostages from multiple locations in Gaza to Israeli authorities. The ICRC also facilitated the release and transfer of 75 detainees from Israeli detention centres to Gaza and the West Bank. In total, 110 Palestinian detainees were released today.

Ahead of every transfer, the ICRC emphasizes to the parties the importance of ensuring the safety of all those involved, particularly those being released. The ICRC does not control the time of the release, the place, or the surrounding environment. The details and logistics are determined by the parties themselves. 

Throughout the release process, the ICRC’s focus is on ensuring the safe and secure transfers of those in its care. Specialized ICRC staff, including doctors, are on-hand to provide immediate care as needed. Additionally, the ICRC conducts pre-departure interviews with detainees to assess their health and fitness for travel.

Beyond release operations, the ICRC continues to work with partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to increase the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

Note to editors: The ICRC will not be providing any footage of released hostages or detainees during these operations. This is out of respect for the dignity of those released and the condition they may be in, as well as issues linked to their safety. We strongly recommend media outlets do the same.