The Israeli military has confirmed that Hamas has handed over more hostages to the Red Cross.
Fourteen Israelis and three Thai nationals were released by the militant group.
Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, wrote on
It is not known who will be released, but White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said “at least one American” is expected to be released during the hostage exchange.
Hamas said it also exchanged a Russian hostage with dual nationality in recognition of the Kremlin’s support of Moscow’s position, but this remains unconfirmed.
Thai Ambassador to Israel Pannabha Chandraramya meets with Thai citizens who were released from the Gaza Strip after being taken hostage by gunmen from the militant Palestinian Islamist group Hamas
Nine-year-old Emily Hand was released this week after being held hostage by Hamas and was reunited with her father, Thomas
Keren Munder, her son and her grandmother were among those released this week after being abducted from their relatives’ home on Kibbutz Nir Oz. Pictured: Keren and her son Ohad
Family members of Israeli hostages today described how their relatives ate rice and pita and slept on plastic seats after the Hamas abduction.
Hostages who were returned to Israel on Friday evening and reunited with their families told their relatives how they were treated.
Keren Munder, her son and her grandmother were among those released after being abducted from their relatives’ home on Kibbutz Nir Oz.
Ms Munder told her cousin that the hostages ate mostly rice and pita and slept on rows of plastic seats – the kind used in waiting rooms.
She also said they knocked on the door when they needed the bathroom, but sometimes they had to wait an hour and a half before they could leave.
Merav Raviv, Keren’s cousin, said her aunt Ruthie and Keren’s son Ohad were also kidnapped, but her older uncle Avraham was separated.
The kidnapped family believed their frail uncle had been murdered until Ms Raviv told them he had been taken hostage – but Keren’s brother Roi had been killed, she said.
Mr Munder is in poor health, walks with a cane and has poor eyesight.
Avi Zichri with his partner Keren Munder and their son Ohad Munder-Zichri on September 1, 2023
Emily was one of 13 Israeli citizens freed from the terrorist group Hamas this week and celebrated her ninth birthday in captivity. Pictured: Emily Hand near Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel
He was left in the house by Hamas when his wife, daughter and grandson were kidnapped.
Nine-year-old Irish girl Emily Hand has finally been reunited with her devoted father after 50 days as a Hamas hostage.
The young woman, who was initially feared to have been murdered by Hamas gunmen during their invasion of Israel, was filmed running into her father’s arms.
Emily was kidnapped in her pajamas on October 7, after which around 240 prisoners were returned to Gaza. She celebrated her ninth birthday in captivity.
On Saturday evening, she joined 20 other hostages released by Hamas during a four-day lull in the conflict. Their release came after a delay of several hours as Hamas accused Israel of failing to abide by the terms of the agreement.
Emily’s capture made headlines around the world after her emotional father, Thomas Hand, 63, initially said he hoped she died in the October 7 invasion and not at the hands of Hamas.
Since it was discovered that she was actually alive, Mr. Hand has campaigned tirelessly for her freedom.
Mr Hand later revealed she was “broken” but still in one piece after her ordeal. He also said he was too scared to give her a big hug – but vowed to throw her the “biggest birthday party ever.”
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