Israel and the occupied territories: ICRC facilitates release of three hostages and 174 detainees

The ICRC is increasingly concerned about the conditions surrounding release operations. We strongly urge all parties, including the mediators, to take responsibility to ensure that future releases are dignified and private. The ICRC has consistently conveyed this message privately and publicly.  

During release operations, ICRC staff, including doctors, are on-hand to provide medical care and other support as needed. Pre-departure interviews are also carried out with detainees to assess their health and fitness for travel. 

The ICRC is prepared to facilitate further release operations as a humanitarian intermediary in the coming days and weeks. The ceasefire agreement must hold so that more release operations can take place, and more aid can enter Gaza.

The ICRC, together with its partners in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, has been working since 19 January to continue delivering life-saving humanitarian assistance like shelter, food, and materials to help repair and support critical infrastructure like water supply. 

Note to editors: The ICRC will not be providing any footage of released hostages or detainees during these operations. This is out of respect for the dignity of those released and the condition they may be in, as well as issues linked to their safety. We strongly recommend media outlets do the same. 

For more information about ICRC’s work in Israel and the occupied territories and our role during release operations, please visit here.