Hamas released three Israeli hostages as part of its ceasefire agreement with Israel. This marks the first step in a deal to free 33 hostages held by Hamas over six weeks, primarily women, children, and the elderly.
The freed hostages—Emily Damari (28), Romi Gonen (24), and Doron Steinbrecher (31)—were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza by 5:30 p.m. local time on Sunday.
Footages showed Hamas fighters giving the Israeli hostages gifts before escorting them to Red Cross vehicles surrounded by large crowds in Gaza.
NEW:
🇵🇸🇮🇱 Hamas broadcasts moment of handing over Israeli hostages and gave them gifts. pic.twitter.com/NbcgY1TKlg
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) January 19, 2025
The moment Hamas released the first Israeli hostages. pic.twitter.com/FiUOxN2Dx5
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) January 19, 2025
The women crossed into Israel shortly afterward, underwent medical checks, and were reunited with their mothers. Israeli officials confirmed the hostages were in stable condition after receiving care at Sheba Medical Center.
BREAKING: Freed Israeli hostages back with their mothers. Amazing photos. pic.twitter.com/3LIWQZCG0c
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 19, 2025
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which began Sunday morning, involves the release of three hostages on Day 1 and additional groups in the following weeks. In return, Israel is releasing 90 Palestinian detainees, including 69 women and 21 teenagers, to the West Bank.
This agreement also facilitated humanitarian aid to Gaza, with 191 trucks carrying supplies entering through the Karem Shalom crossing.
RT EXCLUSIVE | Trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrive in Southern Gaza pic.twitter.com/F6l6rlSEHo
— RT (@RT_com) January 19, 2025
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the hostages’ release, saying: “They are emerging from darkness into light.” U.S. President Joe Biden also expressed relief, noting the hostages had endured difficult conditions during their captivity.
