Hamas rocket alarms set off 15 minutes into ceasefire with Israel

It comes as Israeli soldiers are currently preparing to rescue hostages

Reuters
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 24/11/2023

- 12:58

Isreali forces could not confirm if any attack had taken place

Sirens in two Israeli towns were set off around 15 minutes into a ceasefire with Gaza.

The alarms went off in the towns of Kissufim and Ein Hashlosha in southern Israel near the border with the Palestinian territory.


The Israeli military sounded sirens in two villages near the Gaza Strip on Friday.

The alarms were warning of possible Palestinian rocket attacks from the Hamas-ruled enclave just minutes after a truce came into force.

A tank with an Israel flag

Israeli soldiers are preparing to rescue hostages​

Reuters

However, there was no immediate confirmation that rocket attacks had occurred or caused any damage.

It comes as 13 hostages, who have not been identified, are set to be released by Hamas at 2pm GMT.

Israel's air force published images of dolls, colourful throw-rugs and personal hygiene kits set up at locations scheduled to receive them by helicopter.

Around 240 people are currently being held in the Gaza Strip since the attack on Oct. 7 In return, Israel will release 39 Palestinians from its jails.

Dolls, colourful throw-rugs and personal hygiene have been set up for incoming hostages\u200b

Dolls, colourful throw-rugs and personal hygiene have been set up for incoming hostages

Reuters

A military statement asked the public to respect hostages' privacy.

After landing in Israel, they will receive preliminary medical care and be sent to several hospitals for reunions with their families.

An air force lieutenant colonel said in a video to troops: "Today is the first light at the end of the tunnel.

"We are all in this together."

An Israeli official said military transport helicopters would take part in the repatriation, suggesting they would pick the hostages up at an Egyptian airport

Four hostages have been returned alive previously while a fifth was rescued by Israeli troops.

Israel has recovered the bodies of at least two more.

The condition and locations of the remaining hostages was unclear.

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