The IDF’s Manpower Directorate and  Medical Corps completed preparations for receiving the hostages to be released by Hamas in the ceasefire/hostage release deal approved on Friday night.

The IDF spokesperson stated that the army established three reception facilities near the Gaza border where the hostages will be met by IDF representatives and receive initial treatment by physicians and psychologists. Afterward, they will be brought by the IDF to hospitals in Israel where they will meet their families.

Army Radio reported that after the hostages are transferred to the Red Cross, IDF special forces from one of the elite units will join the Red Cross in Gaza, where the initial contact between Israeli forces and the hostages will take place. At this stage, an official announcement from Israel regarding the identification of the hostages will be published.

After crossing the border and the hostages arrive in Israel, the IDF spokesperson will issue another statement. Meanwhile, the hostages will receive initial treatment at one of the reception centers established by the IDF at the Gaza border.

After leaving the reception center, the hostages will be transported by vehicle or airlifted by helicopter to one of six hospitals receiving released hostages, where they will be reunited with their family members. Another statement from the IDF spokesperson will be released after the hostages are transferred to the hospital.

The IDF spokesperson stated: “We ask the public to show patience and sensitivity and to respect the privacy of those who returned to Israel and their families. One should adhere only to messages and updates from official sources and avoid spreading unverified information.”

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)