Three Israeli women held hostage by the Palestinian group Hamas since October 7, 2023, have been freed and returned to Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s security agency Shin Bet announced on Sunday evening.
The release occurred as part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza brokered by international mediators, which came into effect earlier the same day. Hamas handed over the hostages to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). According to the IDF, the freed women, accompanied by soldiers and security personnel, were transported to Israel, where they will undergo medical examinations.
The released hostages were identified as Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Their release sparked celebrations across Israel, with citizens taking to the streets to welcome their return after more than a year of captivity.
Shortly after the announcement, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement praising the ceasefire agreement, the release of the hostages, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid in Gaza. The U.S.-mediated agreement was reached just a day before Biden was set to hand over the presidency to Donald Trump.
In exchange for the hostages, Israel is expected to release 90 Palestinian prisoners. Among the detainees handed over to the ICRC, 78 are being transferred to the West Bank, and 12 to East Jerusalem. Many of them were detained following the October 2023 attacks for incitement to violence against Israelis on social media.
Ceasefire Terms
The agreement, mediated by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, outlines several stages for implementation. In the initial 42-day phase, Hamas is required to release 33 hostages, while Israel will begin withdrawing troops from Gaza. So far, Hamas has provided the names of 30 hostages slated for release.
Israel has also committed to releasing around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners over the course of the agreement.
The conflict in Gaza erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, capturing approximately 250 hostages. To date, 99 hostages remain in Gaza, though some are believed to have died in captivity. The ceasefire agreement marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough after months of intense fighting.
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