Tel Aviv [Israel], January 19 (ANI): In a major breakthrough, the first set of three Israeli hostages have been handed over to Israel on Sunday, in accordance with the hostage release framework for the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
The three hostages –Romi Gnen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher– are set to be reunited with their families after 471 days of captivity in Gaza.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Sunday confirmed that Hamas has released the three hostages and that they have been returned to Israeli territory.
Taking to X, the IDF stated that “They’re home” and shared a photo of the three hostages.
IDF/status/1881008620990840990″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>https://x.com/IDF/status/1881008620990840990
According to the latest update by IDF, the 3 released hostages have arrived at the initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will be reunited with their mothers.
IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and IDF medical officials are accompanying the released hostages during an initial medical assessment. The IDF representatives are also accompanying their families at the hospital and updating them with the latest available information.
The IDF earlier stated that the released hostages, accompanied by the IDF and ISA, will undergo an initial medical assessment following their return to Israeli territory.
“The 3 released hostages are currently being transferred to IDF and ISA forces in Gaza. They are accompanied by IDF and ISA special forces upon their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment,” the IDF said.
The implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, came into effect today.
The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed that the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, came into effect today at 11:15 am (local time). Notably, the deal was earlier set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, at 08:30 (local time).
Notably, the ceasefire deal suffered a delay hours before the implementation of the deal, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would not proceed with the agreed framework until Hamas provided the list of hostages to be released, adding that any violations of the agreement would “not be tolerated”.
Israeli President, Isaac Herzog, welcomed the return of the hostages and said the entire nation is rejoicing on the day, as it marks the beginning of a “challenging journey” of recovery and healing. He added that their hearts are with all the grieving families, who haven’t been yet united with their loved ones in Hamas‘ captivity.
“Romi, Emily, and Doron–so beloved and missed–an entire nation rejoices at your return. We send you and your families a huge embrace. This is a day of joy and comfort and the beginning of a challenging journey of recovery and healing together. “The eyes weep bitterly, and the heart rejoices.” At this moment, our hearts are with all the anxious and grieving families whose loved ones have not yet returned. We will not rest or be silent until we bring back all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza–the living to their families and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest in dignity,” he said. (ANI)
“Israel committed to returning all of the hostages”: Netanyahu after release of 3 women under Gaza ceasefire deal
Tel Aviv [Israel], January 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the release of all hostages after the Hamas handed over the three Israeli women as part of the first phase of the landmark Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Three women have been in captivity for 471 days since October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting over 200 others. Over 46,000 Palestinians have been also killed in Gaza in Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas. Earlier, over 100 hostages were freed during the weeklong ceasefire in November 2023.
The ceasefire deal was announced last week.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister of Israel wrote, “The Government of Israel embraces the three women who have returned. Their families have been updated by the relevant authorities that they are with our forces.”
“The Government of Israel is committed to returning all of the hostages and missing,” the post added.
Following the announcement of the release, Israel Defence Force spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated “Today, as part of these ongoing efforts, we welcomed home three hostages, three young women, after 471 days in Hamas captivity…Today, we salute and embrace them and their families as they reunite after so long.”
The three women hostages released are –Romi Gnen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher.
While adressing a briefing he said, “Emily, Doron, and Romi are now in safe hands. Minutes ago, Emily, Doron, and Romi were reunited with IDF and ISA forces–they are now with us and on their way home. They are on their way to the IDF’s initial reception center, where they will receive initial medical care and be reunited with their families. From there, they will be transferred to the hospital.”
“Emily Tehila Damari, who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, marked her 28th birthday in captivity. Doron Steinbrecher, who was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, marked her 31st birthday in captivity. Romi Gonen, from Kfar Vradim, was abducted from the ‘Nova’ music festival and marked her 24th birthday in captivity,” he added.
He further added that Israel eagerly waiting for all the hostages to be released that are still being held in Gaza
“Alongside the immense excitement, our hearts are with all the hostages still being held in Gaza under inhumane conditions, and we eagerly await their return,” he said.
“The first stage of the agreement is expected to last approximately 42 days. Today, the first three hostages returned. From now on, three to four additional hostages will be released each week,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, the Prime Minister’s Office of Israel confirmed the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, which came into effect at 11:15 am local time. It marks the beginning of the framework aimed at securing the release of more hostages and facilitating much-needed aid to Gaza. (ANI)
