“They’re home”: Hamas Releases Three Israeli Hostages Under Ceasefire Agreement

In a significant development, the first group of three Israeli hostages has been released and returned to Israel on Sunday, as part of the hostage release agreement in the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

The three hostages—Romi Gnen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher—are set to reunite with their families after enduring 471 days of captivity in Gaza.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the release on Sunday, stating that Hamas had freed the hostages, who have now returned to Israeli territory.

Sharing the update on X, the IDF wrote, “They’re home,” alongside a photo of the three hostages.

According to the latest update from the IDF, the three released hostages have arrived at an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will reunite with their mothers.

IDF officers from the Manpower Directorate and medical officials are accompanying the hostages during an initial medical assessment. Additionally, IDF representatives are present with the families at the hospital, providing them with updates on the latest developments.

Earlier, the IDF confirmed that the hostages, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, would undergo an initial medical assessment upon 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 stated.

The first phase of the ceasefire-hostage deal between Hamas and Israel came into effect today. The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed that the agreement was implemented at 11:15 am (local time). Initially, the deal was scheduled to take effect on Sunday, January 19, at 08:30 am, but was delayed due to last-minute developments.

The delay occurred when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would not proceed with the agreed framework until Hamas provided a list of hostages to be released. He emphasized that any violations of the agreement would “not be tolerated.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the hostages’ return, calling it a moment of national joy and the beginning of a “challenging journey” of recovery and healing. He extended his thoughts to the families of those still in captivity, saying, “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.”