By Release of Gaza hostages to take place in stages, IDF spokesman says
The release of hostages held by the radical Palestinian group Hamas in the Gaza Strip is a complex process that will take place in several stages, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said.
“This is a complex process that will take time and continue in several stages. Our guiding principle was and remains to update the families of the hostages first, and then update the public. The coming days will include moments of pain, and moments of joy, and may include attempts at psychological terror,” the Jerusalem Post quoted the spokesman as saying.
Earlier, Israel’s National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi said that the process of releasing some of the hostages held in Gaza would not begin until November 24. The Israeli government approved a plan to return at least 50 hostages from Gaza within four days, during which a ceasefire will be imposed in the enclave. On the morning of November 22, the Israeli Justice Ministry published a list of 300 Palestinian prisoners who could be released as part of the deal. For the release of ten more hostages, Israel will cease hostilities for one day.
Hamas is holding a total of 240 to 250 hostages. Most are Israeli citizens, including some people with dual citizenship who also hold passports of Germany, the US and other countries. About 35 are foreigners who are not Israeli citizens, most of them are Thai nationals who worked in the country.
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