Red Cross Facilitates Transfer of 5 Detainees from Israel to Lebanon

Lebanon received four individuals previously held in Israel on Friday, September 4, 2026, through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at the Naqoura crossing in southern Lebanon. This transfer was part of a larger operation involving the release and transfer of five detainees from Israel to Lebanon.

Lebanese media identified the four individuals handed over on Friday as Ali Shour and Hussein Ayash, both Lebanese nationals, along with Assad Al-Haseekah and Wissam Ibrahim Al-Samaoui, both Syrian. The handover took place at the Naqoura crossing before the released individuals were taken to the Lebanese side and subsequently to a Lebanese army checkpoint in the Ameriya area.

The operation on Friday was a continuation of a release of five civilians announced by Israeli authorities. The first detainee, identified as Malek Kamal Ghazi, was transferred to Lebanon on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with the remaining four transferred on Friday.

The ICRC confirmed the operation occurred in two phases, stating that one person was transferred on Thursday and four on Friday, emphasizing their role in ensuring the safety and dignity of all involved. The organization described its involvement as purely humanitarian, acting as a neutral intermediary between Israel and Lebanon, and expressed readiness for future humanitarian operations if agreements are reached.

The ICRC also highlighted ongoing direct and confidential dialogue with relevant authorities regarding detainees, deceased, and missing persons in the context of armed conflict. They noted that many families in Lebanon are still awaiting answers about their loved ones and that the ICRC has not had access to detainees in Israeli facilities since October 2023, including Lebanese citizens. The organization is continuing its dialogue with Israeli authorities to resume its work with detainees immediately.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun thanked the United States and the ICRC for their efforts in securing the release of the first group of detainees from Israel. He stressed the importance of continuing steps within the tripartite framework to restore Lebanon's sovereignty over its territory. The release comes amid ongoing discussions on outstanding humanitarian and security issues between Lebanon and Israel, with the ICRC reiterating its limited, humanitarian, and neutral intermediary role in detainee transfers.