Photo: Florian Goga/Reuters
Israel has received the list of the first three women to be released from captivity, the Prime Minister’s Office reports. After that, it was announced that the ceasefire would come into effect today at 11:15 am. The hostages are expected to be released no earlier than 16:00, Ynetnews reports .
Details of the exchange
The hostages’ families have been informed, but their names have not yet been made public. The hostage’s brother, Romy Gonen, confirmed that she was on the list.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have prepared three special reception centres for the released hostages near the border – in Kerem Shalom, Re’im and Zikim. After the hostages are handed over by the International Red Cross, they will be given a medical examination and then transported to hospitals.
In return for the release of the hostages, Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners who will be transferred to the West Bank or East Jerusalem.
Situation at the frontline
Until the ceasefire came into force, Israel continued to conduct air strikes against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, IDF forces are focusing on new defensive lines in the Netzarim and Philadelphia corridors. The army is on high alert to respond to possible violations of the agreement.
In the West Bank, Israel is preparing to release Palestinian prisoners while maintaining a high level of security.
Aid for Gaza
Egyptian television reported the delivery of 95 trucks of humanitarian aid through the Kerem Shalom checkpoint.
