Red Cross prepares for release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza

A handover of three female Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is underway, as aid workers in Gaza prepare for a special operation ahead of the release of the rest of the hostages held by Hamas.

The three women were on their way to Israeli forces in Gaza, the military said.

The current operation is not comparable with past experience as the full process may take around 15 months, according to a spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

“We are cognisant of the challenges that may exist,” he said, of the work doctors are likely to face.

Preparation for such missions includes transport logistics, the distribution of relief supplies, detailed security planning and the preparation of the aid workers who receive the released hostages.

The operation is emotional for many, he said. The ICRC’s aim is to complete this first phase as safely and efficiently as possible so that the families can be reunited.

The immense humanitarian needs will remain for months, if not years, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said recently.