Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has successfully facilitated the release and transfer of three hostages from Gaza to Israel and 90 Palestinian detainees from Israel to the occupied Palestinian territories.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric expressed relief over the operation, stating, “We are relieved that those released can be reunited with their loved ones. Ensuring their safe return and providing the necessary care at this critical moment is a great responsibility. This operation demonstrates how our neutral role between warring sides can save and change lives when the parties reach an agreement.”
The operation was described as complex, requiring strict security measures to ensure safety amid challenges such as navigating large crowds, heightened emotions, unexploded ordnances, and damaged infrastructure in Gaza.
This marks the first phase of a multi-stage operation agreed upon by all parties to facilitate the return of more hostages and detainees. Specialized ICRC staff, including medical professionals, were on standby to provide necessary care during the transfers.
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President Spoljaric emphasized the importance of continued cooperation, saying, “More families are waiting anxiously for their loved ones. We call on all parties to honor their commitments to ensure the safe continuation of these operations. Our teams are ready to implement the agreement to reunite more families.”
In addition to the releases, the broader agreement includes the provision of urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, where civilians have faced months of extreme hardship with limited access to food, clean water, and shelter. The ICRC is prepared to scale up its response, working with Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to deliver medicines, food, and support essential services such as healthcare, water, sanitation, and electricity.
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The ICRC reiterated the importance of adherence to international humanitarian law during the operations, including the protection of civilians, medical facilities, and personnel.
The ICRC has decided not to provide any footage of the released hostages or detainees to respect their dignity, safety, and current condition. Media outlets are strongly encouraged to do the same.
This statement was issued by Aliyu Dawobe, Public Relations Officer, ICRC Abuja Delegation, and made available to news outlets.