The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the fifth release operation today, bringing three hostages out of Gaza to Israel, and 174 detainees from Israeli places of detention to Gaza and the West Bank. In total, 183 detainees were released today.

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 Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, has been working since 19 January to deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance like shelter, food, and materials to help repair and support critical infrastructure like water supply.