IDF receives confirmation: Schalit in Egyptian control
Hamas passes soldier to Egyptians on Gaza side of Rafah crossing; Israel transfers Palestinian prisoners to Red Cross buses, awaiting word that Schalit in Israel before allowing them to pass into Gaza, W.Bank.
rafah border crossing_311 reuters(photo credit: Ismail Zaydah / Reuters)ByYAAKOV KATZ, HERB KEINONEgyptian military officials received Gilad Schalit from Hamas control on the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing and updated the IDF command post at the Kerem Shalom crossing of the transaction on Tuesday morning.As a result, Israel transferred all the Palestinian prisoners to be released to Gaza and the West Bank to Red Cross buses. Israeli officials are awaiting word that Schalit has entered Israel, after which the prisoners will be transferred to the West Bank and Gaza via Egypt.RELATED:High Court decides not to intervene in Schalit swap Security prisoners hold off on celebrating early releases Upon passing into Israel, Schalit will be guarded by soldiers of the Israel Air Force's 669 unit, who will accompany him until he is home safe in Mitzpe Hila.As part of a carefully orchestrated prisoner swap, Israel was due to free 477 Palestinian prisoners during the day, with a further 550 set for release at a later date.Overnight Monday, the IDF finalized preparations for the swap and moved all of the Palestinian prisoners slated for release to various points throughout the country from where they will be transferred to Egypt, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and inside the country.From Rafah, Schalit will cross into Israel and will be taken to a nearby base for a preliminary medical exam.On Monday, OC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo declared Israel’s border crossings with Egypt and Gaza closed military zones ahead of the swap.After the medical exams, Schalit will be flown to the Tel Nof Air Force Base where he will be reunited with his family after more than five years in Hamas captivity.Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to arrive at Tel Nof early Tuesday morning and supervise the carefully-choreographed swap.Schalit will be greeted as he gets off the helicopter at Tel Nof, by Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz, who are to usher him a short distance into a private meeting with his parents.Netanyahu gave directions to the security establishment to do everything possible to move the process ahead quickly so that Schalit can be swiftly reunited with his parents.Once the family reunification begins in Tel Nof, Netanyahu is expected to leave the base and issue a brief statement to the press stationed outside.He is expected to say that this is both an emotional and difficult day, and that Israel is blessed to have Schalit return. Our nation is different in that we do not celebrate the release of murderers, and do not carry on our shoulders those who destroyed lives, he will say.According to officials in his office, Netanyahu decided on a low-key ceremony out of consideration for the families of the terrorist victims, for whom the release date of those who murdered their loved ones is not a day of celebration.Schalit will then board the helicopter with his parents and, after nearly five and a half years, return to his home in Mitzpe Hila.Click for full JPost coverage of Gilad SchalitRECOMMENDED STORIESHow is Iran still launching missiles at Israel despite Israeli airstrikes?JUNE 16, 2025IDF pummels Tehran with heavy fire, 50 Israeli fighter jets take part in attacksJUNE 15, 2025A volcano ready to blow: Middle East erupts with Israeli strikes on IranJUNE 15, 2025Starlink operating in Iran, Elon Musk says, as Islamic regime shuts internet downJUNE 14, 2025Hot OpinionNow is the time for a unity government to provide clarity within the chaosByJPOST EDITORIALAs Iran vows our destruction, Israel unitesByYAIR LAPIDFive takeaways from the bomb shelter: Reflections on the Israel-Iran WarByDAVID BRINNIsrael strikes Iran: Strategic success or start of an uncertain future?BySUSAN HATTIS ROLEF