The Israeli army has begun preparations to accept hostages who are due to be released on the morning of January 19 under the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, the army press service announced.
„The Israel Defense Forces are preparing to implement the agreement on the return of hostages approved by Israel's political leadership on Saturday night. The agreement will come into effect on Sunday, January 19, at 08:30. local time and within its framework, the Israel Defense Forces troops will carry out operational procedures on the ground in accordance with the established agreements", the statement said.
The military will provide the freed ones with “appropriate physical and psychological support, paying attention to every detail“, the press service noted.
“In addition to the agreement and our commitment to return all hostages home, the IDF will continue to work to ensure the safety of all Israeli citizens, especially those living in communities near the Gaza Strip“, the press service added.
The situation in the Middle East has deteriorated sharply since the infiltration of armed Hamas supporters from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, accompanied by the killing of residents of border settlements and the taking of hostages. In response, Israel launched an operation in the enclave with the aim of destroying Hamas' military and political structures and freeing all the hostages. According to the latest Israeli figures, 98 people remain hostages in Gaza.