Inside operation to bring Israel’s hostages home from Gaza

There are some details that the group cannot speak about publicly because of concerns that it could compromise the security of the operation.

Ms Davies says planning is crucial to ensuring that the exchange runs smoothly. They have mapped out alternative routes to get to different locations in Gaza, knowing that the “safest route can change” at any time.

Among their biggest concerns are the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance, destroyed and damaged infrastructure, and large crowds with “heightened emotions”.

“Our teams prepare and plan for as many scenarios as possible,” she says.

“The most important thing for us is to be able to return any person entrusted to our care safely back to their homes.”

But it is impossible to plan for everything.

“From previous experience, here and in other places around the world, we know that the logistics and final details can change at any time, even – and particularly – during operations themselves,” says Ms Davies.

Medical staff and so-called weapons contamination specialists, trained in identifying explosive remnants of war, travel with the teams.

During the operations, ICRC representatives also maintain regular contact with both Israeli officials and Hamas, as well as mediators.