The Israeli army announced on Sunday that 13 hostages who had been held captive were now back in Israel, and four others were en route to Egypt.
According to the army’s statement, twelve of the hostages were being taken to a military base near the city of Beersheva, accompanied by Israeli special forces.
One hostage had been directly transported to a hospital. Sorocca hospital in Beersheva confirmed that they had received an 84-year-old female hostage who had been flown in by helicopter.
The hospital stated that she was undergoing tests, but did not provide further details.
Additionally, four more hostages were on their way to the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.
The hostages released on Sunday included 13 Israeli women and children, one man with Russian-Israeli citizenship, and three Thai nationals, as confirmed by statements from various governments involved.
According to a list released by the Israeli prime minister’s office, the released Israelis included nine children, four women, and a four-year-old girl named Abigail, whose case had been brought to attention by US President Joe Biden
There were three family groups comprising ten individuals among the hostages.