Three Hostages Return to Israel Following Release Under Gaza Ceasefire

Three hostages have been freed and returned to Israel as part of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire agreement, marking a pivotal moment in the peace process.

Israel reports that three hostages, who had been held by Hamas in Gaza for the past 15 months, have now returned to Israeli territory.

Hamas released the hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza City just hours after a ceasefire began, and they were subsequently handed over to the Israeli military.

They have been identified as Doron Steinbrecher, aged 31; Emily Damari, a dual British-Israeli national who is 28 years old; and Romi Gonen, aged 24.

Hamas claims that for each hostage they free, 30 Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli detention facilities.

The much-anticipated ceasefire in Gaza was implemented following a last-minute postponement, allowing displaced Palestinians to start returning to the cities they had fled.

During the hours that the ceasefire was delayed, Israel continued its attacks on Gaza, resulting in 19 additional fatalities, as reported by the civil defense agency operated by Hamas.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 individuals to Gaza as hostages.

The assault prompted a large-scale Israeli offensive on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 46,900 Palestinians, as reported by the health ministry managed by Hamas.

We have just received a statement from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer following the release of three hostages, including UK national Emily Damari.

He expresses that the release of three hostages today is fantastic and overdue news after months of hardship for them and their families.

Among them is British citizen Emily Damari, who will soon be reunited with her family. This joyous occasion includes reuniting with her mother Amanda, who has tirelessly fought to bring her daughter home.

I wholeheartedly wish them the best as they embark on their journey to heal from the unbearable trauma they’ve endured. We are prepared to provide help and support whenever needed.

Nevertheless, today also marks another day of suffering for those who have yet to return home. While this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those still held captive by Hamas.

Just minutes after the IDF announced that the first three hostages had been released, the Israeli president expressed his relief at the successful completion of the exchange.

Isaac Herzog writes on X, “Romi, Emily, and Doron—so dearly loved and missed—the entire nation celebrates your return.”

We extend a warm embrace to you and your families. Today marks a joyful moment of comfort, as well as the start of our joint journey toward recovery and healing.