(Jan. 19, 2025 | Updated Jan. 19, 10:17 / JNS) The three Israeli women released from Hamas captivity on Sunday have been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross inside the Gaza Strip.

“The three released hostages are now being escorted by an elite IDF unit and Shin Bet force and are on their way back to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical evaluation,” the military said.

“IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the released hostages on their way back to Israel,” the army statement continued. “The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks the public to show responsibility and sensitivity and respect the privacy of the returnees and their families.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that the government in Jerusalem “embraces the three released hostages".

“Their families have been informed by the relevant authorities that they have joined our forces. The Israeli government is committed to the return of all the kidnapped and missing,” the Prime Minister’s Office statement continued.

“The government, together with all security agencies, will accompany them and their families. ‘Blessed are You, Lord, who frees the captives,'” the statement from Netanyahu’s office concluded.

Earlier, footage broadcast on Israeli television appeared to show Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari alive and standing on their own, surrounded by Hamas terrorists in Gaza City’s Saraya Square.

The three were taken by terrorists during the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border massacre and held hostage in the Gaza Strip for 471 days.

The Red Cross handed over the captives to Israeli special forces inside the Netzarim Corridor that splits the northern and southern Strip.

It will be another approximately two hours until the former captives arrive at the hospital in Israel, the IDF estimates. The mothers of the hostages will first meet them at the reception complex near Kibbutz Re’im. The remaining family members will meet them at the hospital.