A short time ago today (Sunday), the IDF Spokesperson gave a statement following the release of the hostages Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari from Hamas captivity, in accordance with the first phase of the hostage deal.
Hagari said that the three hostages are now in safe hands and are returning home, following over a year in captivity in the hands of the Hamas terrorist organization.
The IDF Spokesperson said that now was the time to allow the hostages and their families their privacy. He said that despite the great desire of the public to know more about the state of the hostages, to add any additional burden on them is an "irresponsible act."
Hagari stressed that the public should base themselves solely on official statements and announcements and should avoid spreading rumors, "with an emphasis on social media."
Alongside this, Hagari said that "our hearts are still with" the many male and female hostages still held in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF Spokesperson then said that the IDF will not tolerate any deviation from the written agreement and that it has now redeployed in "defensive lines" along the Gaza Strip, in accordance with the agreement.
Hagari said that the IDF is working with the Shin Bet and the Mossad to ensure all the government's stated war aims, including not only the return of the hostages but also the destruction of the capabilities of Hamas and the return of evacuated residents home.
Regarding the location of the hostages themselves, Hagari said that they are all en route to the absorption center at Re'im, where they will meet trained staff ready to help them begin to recover and that "most importantly, most importantly," they will meet their mothers there. An hour later, they will be flown to the hospital, where they will meet the rest of their families.
The IDF also released footage showing families of the hostages watching their loved ones join up with the IDF. Watch:
It also released footage showing the moment the hostages crossed into Israeli territory:
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