Israel has announced the launch of Operation Returning Home, a mission to bring back citizens held by Hamas for more than two years, marking a new phase in the country’s long-running standoff with the militant group in Gaza.
In a statement released on October 13, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that several hostages were being transferred to the Red Cross in northern Gaza after 738 days in captivity.
“According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to a meeting point in northern Gaza where several hostages will be transferred into their custody,” the IDF said.
“The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on.”
Israel Operation ‘Returning Home’
An Israeli Air Force helicopter has been deployed to assist in the recovery operation.
“After 738 days in captivity, our IAF helicopter is ready to meet our hostages and bring them back home,” the statement continued.
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The military described the operation as one aimed at closing one of the most painful chapters in Israel’s recent history.
“The IDF is now launching Operation ‘Returning Home’ to return our hostages from Hamas captivity,” the statement read.
“In a few hours we will all be reunited, one people, embraced and united.”
Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, framed the mission as the culmination of sustained military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas.
“The military pressure we applied over the past two years, together with the complementary diplomatic measures, constitute a victory over Hamas,” Zamir said.
“We will continue to act in order to shape a security reality that ensures the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to the State of Israel and its civilians.”
Israel – Gaza Agreement
This comes days after US President Donald Trump officially announced that he had reached an agreement with Israel to end the two-year conflict in Gaza.
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The deal centered on an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, breaking a months-long deadlock that has cost thousands of lives and displaced countless civilians.
President Trump, who played a key role in brokering the agreement, took to social media to confirm the breakthrough and outline the first phase of his peace plan.
The plan required Israel to withdraw its troops to a mutually agreed-upon line, signaling a de-escalation of hostilities.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump posted.
“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!”
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