Posted on 11/24/23
| News Source: Arutz-7
The IDF's operation to receive the 13 Israeli hostages being released by Hamas, codenamed "Heaven's Doors", began on Friday at 16:00 (Israel time) today. Two hours later, Israel will release 39 Palestinian prisoners. 12 additional Thai nationals will be released as well.
According to Arab media, the hostages have been released from the Khan Yunis Hospital, where they were held for a short time.
According to FOX News the hostages are now with the Red Cross.
During the operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant will be at the IDF Operations Branch control center at the Kirya in Tel Aviv.
The Prime Minister and the Defense Minister will closely monitor the management of the operation to bring the Israelis who have been released from Hamas captivity back to the country.
Prime Minister Netanyahu will be accompanied by National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi and his Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Avi Gil. Defense Minister Gallant will be accompanied by his Military Secretary, Brig.-Gen. Guy Markizano and the head of his staff, Shachar Katz.
The hostages will receive noise-canceling headphones especially purchased for them which are suitable for children in order to make the anticipated helicopter ride back into Israel more pleasant and to make them feel more calm and secure. Each helicopter will be equipped with a medical team from the IDF's pararescue unit, Unit 669, which will include an officer, three combat soldiers, and two doctors. The hostages will also be welcomed by representatives of the IDF Manpower Directorate, who have accompanied them throughout the ordeal.
All security prisoners to be released as part of the deal, 24 of whom are female and 15 male, have been transferred to the Offer prison, from which they will be fully released.
The prisoners will be taken in a concentrated manner to buses provided by the Red Cross, transported to the Beitunia checkpoint just a few hundred meters from the prison, and from there will be free to make their own way to their homes.