Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited the Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv on Sunday to review preparations for receiving hostages following their planned release by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
“The most important thing is that we see everyone back home, that everyone returns safely, and that the Israeli people receive good news,” Herzog said during the visit, according to a report by the news portal ynet.
Herzog left a welcome message for the hostages, who are to be received at the Ichilov Hospital: “How wonderful that you have come home.”
After their release, the hostages are to undergo medical examinations and treatment in hospitals, where they will also reunite with their families. According to Israeli sources, 20 of the 48 hostages are still alive.
Hamas sources stated that they plan to hand over all living hostages, as well as as many deceased hostages as possible, by 0300 GMT on Monday.
Their return to Israel is to be organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and will take place out of the public eye.
After meeting with their families and undergoing initial medical checks at the Re’im military base near the Gaza border, the released hostages are expected to be flown to hospitals.