Hamas Releases First Three Israeli Hostages as Ceasefire Begins
A 42-day ceasefire brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. begins with the release of three women held by Hamas for over a year, marking the first step in a broader prisoner exchange deal.
- The three released hostages are Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28), and Doron Steinbrecher (31), who were abducted during Hamas attacks in October 2023.
- The women were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross and subsequently transferred to Israeli authorities for medical evaluation and family reunification.
- In exchange, Israel plans to release 90 Palestinian prisoners, with additional exchanges and humanitarian aid deliveries outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
- The ceasefire, delayed due to Hamas's late submission of a required hostage list, is set to last 42 days and includes provisions for the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in Gaza.
- Israeli political tensions rise as right-wing ministers resign in protest of the deal, while the government reaffirms its commitment to dismantling Hamas and securing the release of all hostages.
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