Timeline of Events
February 22, 2025
17:17
The returning hostage, Hisham al-Sayed, accompanied by members of his family, is currently making his way on an Israeli Air Force helicopter to the hospital, where he will be reunited with other members of his family and will receive medical treatment.
16:48
The returning hostage, Omer Wenkert, accompanied by members of his family, is currently making his way on an Israeli Air Force helicopter to the hospital, where he will be reunited with other members of his family and will receive medical treatment.
15:51
The Returning Hostage Hisham al-Sayed Has Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel
IDF officers from the Personnel Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostage, and he will undergo an initial medical assessment and be reunited with his family.
IDF representatives are accompanying the other families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
15:29
The Returning Hostage Hisham al-Sayed Has Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces
A short while ago, the returning hostage Hisham al-Sayed crossed the border into Israeli territory accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, and he is currently on his way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where he will be reunited with members of his family.
15:23
A Returning Hostage Has Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip
A returning hostage is currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on his return to Israeli territory, where he will undergo an initial medical assessment and reunite with his family.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostage as he makes his way home to the State of Israel.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages.
15:15
The two returning hostages, Eliya Cohen and Omer Shem Tov, are currently making their way on Israeli Air Force helicopters to the hospital, where they will be reunited with other members of their families and will receive medical treatment.
14:48
According to the information communicated by the Red Cross, an additional hostage was transferred to them, and he is on his way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
13:44
The Three Returning Hostages - Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and Omer Wenkert - Have Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel
IDF officers from the Personnel Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the three returning hostages, and they will undergo an initial medical assessment and be reunited with their families.
IDF representatives are accompanying their families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
The IDF is prepared to receive an additional hostage who is due to be transferred to the Red Cross in the near future.
13:35
The Three Returning Hostages - Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and Omer Wenkert - Have Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces
A short while ago, the three returning hostages - Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, and Omer Wenkert - crossed the border into Israeli territory accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, and they are currently on their way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will be reunited with members of their families.
The IDF is prepared to receive an additional hostage who is due to be transferred to the Red Cross in the near future.
13:09
Three Returning Hostages Have Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip
The three returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages.
The IDF is prepared to receive an additional hostage who is due to be transferred to the Red Cross in the near future.
12:53
The returning hostage, Tal Shoham, accompanied by members of his family, is currently making his way on an Israeli Air Force helicopter to the hospital, where he will be reunited with other members of his family and receive medical treatment.
12:46
According to the information communicated by the Red Cross, three hostages were transferred to them, and they are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF is prepared to receive an additional hostage who is due to be transferred to the Red Cross in the near future.
12:25
The returning hostage, Avera Mengistu, accompanied by members of his family, is currently making his way on an Israeli Air Force helicopter to the hospital, where he will be reunited with other members of his family and will receive medical treatment.
11:02
The Two Returning Hostages - Avera Mengistu and Tal Shoham - Have Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel
IDF officers from the Personnel Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostages, and they will undergo an initial medical assessment and be reunited with their families.
IDF representatives are accompanying their families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are due to be transferred to the Red Cross in the near future.
10:24
The Two Returning Hostages Have Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces
A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the two returning hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory, and they are currently on their way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will be reunited with members of their families.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are due to be transferred to the Red Cross in the near future.
10:07
Two Returning Hostages Have Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip
The two returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are due to be transferred to the Red Cross in the near future.
9:54
According to the information communicated by the Red Cross, two hostages were transferred to them, and they are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are due to be transferred to the Red Cross in the near future.
February 21, 2025
21:37
Following the reports regarding Shiri Bibas, they are currently under review. IDF representatives are in contact with the family.
We emphasize the family’s request to show responsibility and not publish unauthorized reports, that could harm the efforts.
1:23
Following the completion of the identification process by the National Institute of Forensic Medicine in collaboration with the Israel Police, IDF representatives informed the Bibas family that their loved ones, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, have been identified.
According to the assessment of professional officials, based on the intelligence available to us and forensic findings from the identification process, Ariel and Kfir Bibas were brutally murdered by terrorists in captivity in November 2023.
During the identification process, it was determined that the additional body received is not that of Shiri Bibas, and no match was found for any other hostage. This is an anonymous, unidentified body.
This is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obligated under the agreement to return four deceased hostages. We demand that Hamas return Shiri home along with all our hostages.
Ariel Bibas was four years old at the time of his death, and Kfir Bibas was ten months old at the time of his death. They were abducted with their mother, Shiri Bibas, from their home in Nir Oz. Yarden Bibas, Ariel and Kfir's father, went out to protect them and was abducted prior to the abduction of Shiri and the children. Yarden returned as part of the agreement for the return of the hostages on February 1, 2025.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Bibas family during this incredibly difficult time and remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure Shiri and all the hostages are brought home at the earliest opportunity.
February 20, 2025
11:53
A short while ago, IDF and ISA forces brought the coffins of the four deceased hostages over the border into Israel, and they are being taken to the National Institute of Forensic Medicine to undergo an identification procedure. IDF representatives are accompanying their families at this difficult time.
9:53
According to information communicated by the Red Cross, four caskets of deceased hostages were transferred to them, and they are being taken to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
February 15, 2025
13:01
The returning hostages Alexander (Sasha) Trufanov, Iair Horn and Sagui Dekel Chen are currently making their way on Israeli Air Force helicopters to the hospital along with members of their family. At the hospital, they will be reunited with other members of their families and will receive medical treatment.
11:07
he Three Returning Hostages - Alexander (Sasha) Trufanov, Iair Horn and Sagui Dekel Chen - Have Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel
IDF officers from the Personnel Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostages, and they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
IDF representatives are accompanying their families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
10:45
The Returning Hostages Have Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces
A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the returning hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory. The returning hostages are currently on their way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will be reunited with members of their families.
10:32
Three Returning Hostages Have Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip
Three returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages and their families.
February 8, 2025
14:57
The returning hostages Ohad Ben-Ami and Eliyahu Sharabi are currently making their way on Israeli Air Force helicopters to the hospital along with members of their family. At the hospital, they will be reunited with other members of their families and will receive medical treatment.
14:31
The returning hostage Or Levy is currently making his way on an Israeli Air Force helicopter to the hospital along with members of his family. At the hospital, he will be reunited with other members of his family and receive medical treatment.
The other two returning hostages, Ohad Ben-Ami and Eliyahu Sharabi, and their families are expected to take off for the hospital shortly.
12:16
The Three Returning Hostages - Ohad Ben-Ami, Or Levy, and Eliyahu Sharabi - Have Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel
IDF officers from the Personnel Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostages, and they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
IDF representatives are accompanying their families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
11:54
The Returning Hostages - Or Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, and Eliyahu Sharabi - Have Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces
A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the returning hostages - Or Levy, Ohad Ben Ami, and Eliyahu Sharabi - crossed the border into Israeli territory. The returning hostages are currently on their way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will be reunited with members of their families.
11:40
Three Returning Hostages Have Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip
Three returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages and their families.
11:16
According to information communicated by the Red Cross, three hostages were transferred to them, and they are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
9:37
Attached is footage of the takeoff of IAF helicopters ahead of the reception of the returning hostages:
Attached are photos of the takeoff of IAF helicopters ahead of the reception of the returning hostages:
February 1, 2025
14:02
Keith Siegel is now taking off in an IAF helicopter to the hospital, where he will reunite with the rest of his family and receive medical treatment.
11:55
Keith Siegel Has Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel
IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning civilian hostage. He will undergo an initial medical assessment and reunite with members of his family.
IDF representatives are accompanying the rest of his family waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
11:31
Yarden Bibas is now taking off with members of his family in an IAF helicopter to the hospital, where he will receive medical treatment.
11:26
The Returning Hostage, Keith Siegel, Has Crossed the Border into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces
A short while ago, the returning civilian hostage, Keith Siegel, crossed the border into Israeli territory accompanied by IDF and ISA forces. He is currently on his way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where he will be reunited with members of his family.
11:09
The Returning Hostage Has Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip
The returning hostage is currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on his return to Israeli territory, where he will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostage as he makes his way home to the State of Israel.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostage and his family.
10:46
Ofer Kalderon is now taking off in an Israeli Air Force helicopter to the hospital, where he will reunite with members of his family and receive medical treatment.
Yarden Bibas and his family are due to take off soon to fly to the hospital.
10:28
According to information communicated by the Red Cross, one hostage was transferred to them, and they are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
9:27
Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas Have Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel
IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning civilian hostages, and they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
IDF representatives are accompanying the families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
9:09
A short while ago, the returning civilian hostages, Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas, crossed the border into Israeli territory accompanied by IDF and ISA forces. The returning civilian hostages are currently on their way to an initial reception point in southern Israel.
9:02
The Two Returning Hostages Have Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip
The two returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages and their families.
The IDF is prepared to receive an additional hostage in the near future.
8:46
According to information communicated by the Red Cross, two hostages were transferred to them and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
January 30, 2025
16:27
The released hostage, Arbel Yehoud, is currently taking off with her family in an IAF helicopter to the hospital, where she will be reunited with additional members of her family and will receive medical treatment.
16:15
Gad Moshe Mozes and the five Thai nationals - Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, and Rumnao Surasak - just took off aboard Israeli Air Force helicopters and are making their way to the hospitals.
Gad will be reunited with his family and receive medical treatment at the hospital.
The five Thai nationals will receive medical treatment and will be accompanied by Thai government officials at the hospital.
Arbel Yehoud and her family are due to take off soon to fly to the hospital.
14:24
The Seven Returning Hostages Have Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel.
IDF officers from the Personnel Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostages, and they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The two returning Israeli hostages, Arbel Yehud and Gad Moshe Mozes, will be reunited with their families there, and the five returning foreign nationals - Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, Rumnao Surasak - will be met there by Thai government officials.
IDF representatives are accompanying the families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
14:03
The Seven Returning Hostages Have Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces
A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the seven returning hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory. The returning hostages are currently on their way to an initial reception point in southern Israel. The two returning Israeli hostages, Arbel Yehud and Gad Moshe Mozes, will be reunited with their families there, and the five foreign nationals - Thenna Pongsak, Sathian Suwannakhan, Sriaoun Watchara, Seathao Bannawat, Rumnao Surasak - will be met there by Thai government officials.
13:38
The Seven Returning Hostages Have Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip
The seven returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the returning hostages and their families.
13:17
According to information communicated by the Red Cross, seven hostages, including two Israelis and five foreign nationals, were transferred to them and are on their way toward IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
12:51
The returning hostage, IDF soldier Agam Berger, together with her parents, just took off aboard an Israeli Air Force helicopter to make her way to the hospital, where she will receive medical treatment and be reunited with the rest of her family.
See Agam Berger, reunited with her parents after 482 days in captivity:
11:17
The Israeli Air Force and the Manpower Directorate Have Completed the Preparations for Receiving the Hostages Returning to Israel From the Gaza Strip Ahead of the Third Phase of the Hostage Release Agreement:
11:14
The Returning Hostage, IDF Soldier Agam Berger, Has Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel Where She Is Being Reunited With Her Family
IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostage, and she will undergo an initial medical assessment.
IDF representatives are accompanying the rest of her family waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
10:31
The Returning Hostage, IDF Soldier Agam Berger, has Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces
A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the returning hostage, IDF soldier Agam Berger, crossed the border into Israeli territory. The returning hostage is currently on her way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where she will be reunited with her parents.
Watch: The moment as Agam Berger crosses into Israeli territory and met by IDF soldiers:
Watch: Agam Berger’s family watching her return into Israeli territory:
10:22
The Returning Hostage Has Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip.
The returning hostage is currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on her return to Israeli territory, where she will undergo an initial medical assessment. The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostage as she makes her way home to the State of Israel. The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect her privacy.
The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages in the near future.
10:05
According to information communicated by the Red Cross, one hostage was transferred to them, and they are on their way toward IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
January 25, 2025
14:32
The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi at the Hostages and Missing Persons Situation Room During the Return of the Hostages to Israel:
“Today, we brought back the soldiers Daniella, Karina, Naama, and Liri to their families. Their return is an integral part of our victory in this war. We are committed to bringing back all the hostages, both civilians and soldiers"
Footage of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, the Director of the ISA, Ronen Bar, the Director of the Mossad, David Barnea, and the Head of the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters, MG (Res.) Nitzan Alon, at the Hostages and Missing Persons situation room during the return of the four hostages from Gaza:
14:14
The four returning hostages, Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev, together with their parents, just boarded an Israeli Air Force helicopter to make their way to the hospital, where they will be reunited with the rest of their families and receive medical treatment
13:13
The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, has just concluded a multi-front General Staff situational assessment with the commanding officers of the various commands.
The Chief of the General Staff addressed the IDF's readiness along the Netzarim Corridor, emphasizing the preparedness and alertness of the troops in the area until decided otherwise. Additionally, the IDF is warning the Gazan public to avoid the area until it is reopened.
The IDF is also preparing in Judea and Samaria to enhance security in communities and along key routes.
The Chief of the General Staff expressed great appreciation for the military preparations carried out as part of Operation "Wings of Freedom" and noted that the goal is to continue advancing the process.
12:24
The Four Returning Hostages - Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev, Have Arrived at the Initial Reception Point in Southern Israel Where They Are Being Reunited With Their Parents.
IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the returning hostages, and they will undergo an initial medical assessment. IDF representatives are accompanying their families waiting at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
12:05
”Since the October 7th Massacre, our mission has been clear-bring home all the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Today, as part of these ongoing efforts, we welcome home four more Israeli hostages.” - IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral, Daniel Hagari.
See the full statement of IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari regarding the release of the hostages, here.
11:51
The Four Returning Hostages - Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, Naama Levy, and Karina Ariev, Have Crossed Into Israeli Territory With IDF and ISA Forces.
A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the four returning hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory. The returning hostages are currently on their way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will be reunited with their parents.
11:36
The Four Returning Hostages Have Just Been Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip.
The four returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.
11:15
The Red Cross has communicated that four Israeli hostages were transferred to them and are on their way toward IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip.
10:26
“Understand the immense privilege you have, and above all, the great responsibility you bear to receive those returning and safely fly them to the hospital." - Lt. Col. A on part of the IAF’s preparations for the reception of the returning hostages.
See the IAF helicopters prepared and adapted for today’s process of receiving the returning hostages:
08:40
The IDF Has Completed Preparations To Receive the Hostages Returning to Israel From the Gaza Strip Ahead of the Second Phase of the Hostage Release Agreement.The Manpower Directorate established and prepared initial reception points where the returning hostages will receive medical care and personal support. Afterward, they will be transferred to hospitals and reunited with their families.
January 20, 2025
16:04
Listen to the remarks of the Commanding Officer of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, during the helicopter takeoff in preparation for receiving the hostages yesterday:
January 19, 2025
20:35
The three released hostages, together with their mothers, just landed at a hospital, where they will be reunited with the rest of their families and receive medical treatment.
The IDF, ISA, the Mossad, and Israeli health authorities are ready to continue receiving additional hostages and are operating to bring home all the hostages.
20:08
The three released hostages, together with their mothers, just boarded an Israeli Air Force helicopter to make their way to the hospital, where they will be reunited with the rest of their families and receive medical treatment.
19:45
Footage of the moment the three released hostages were transferred to the IDF from the Red Cross:
18:40
The moment that the released hostages crossed into Israeli territory:
18:29
IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari:"Emily, Doron, and Romi are now in safe hands. Minutes ago, Emily, Doron, and Romi were reunited with IDF and ISA forces—they are now with us and on their way home."
Watch the briefing by the IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, here.
18:23
Footage of the families of the released hostages as they watch them join IDF Soldiers:
The three released hostages have arrived at the initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will be reunited with their mothers..
IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the released hostages during an initial medical assessment. IDF representatives are accompanying their families at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
17:56
The three released hostages have crossed into Israeli territory with IDF and ISA Forces.
A short while ago, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, the released hostages crossed the border into Israeli territory. The released hostages are currently on their way to an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
17:40
The Three Released Hostages are Currently Being Transferred to IDF and ISA Forces in the Gaza Strip
The three released hostages are being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
The commanders and soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces salute and embrace the released hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks everyone to respect the privacy of the released hostages and their families.
16:01
IAF Helicopters are prepared for the process of receiving the hostages returning from Gaza. For more footage, click here.
09:12
"This morning it was cleared for publication that in a special IDF and ISA covert operation, the abducted fallen soldier Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, Oron, who fell in battle in Shejaiya on July 20th, 2014, during Operation “Protective Edge,” and was abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization, was rescued from Gaza."-IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari regarding the operation to rescue SSGT Oron Shaul. Read the full remarks here.
January 18, 2025
20:49
The Chief of the General Staff at the Gaza Border: “The IDF’s activity has created the conditions necessary to achieve the critical objective we face today: returning the hostages to their homeland and their families.” Click here for the full speech.
19:24
Over the past day, the IDF - led by the Manpower Directorate and the Medical Corps - completed preparations for receiving the hostages from the Gaza Strip upon their return to Israel. The IDF, in coordination with the Health Ministry, additional government ministries, and security authorities, has prepared to receive the released hostages with optimal and professional care and to provide them with all the necessary support. Read more here.
17:53
The IDF Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, conducted a situational assessment earlier today focusing on the preparations of the Southern Command and Central Command for implementing the agreement to return the hostages. Click here to read the full situational assessment.
January 16, 2025
20:00:
Wings of Freedom is the name given to the IDF’s preparations for the return of the hostages.