In the first images of the three hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damali, who were released by the Israel Defense Forces on Sunday after long periods of captivity by Hamas, their faces spoke of their resilience. After 471 days in captivity, all three women were able to walk unaided from their Red Cross vehicle to waiting IDF personnel, the first of the historic cease-fire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas. It became Ayumu.
The return of the three women was celebrated throughout Israel. Mandy Damari, mother of British-Israeli Emily Damali, said in a statement: “After 471 days, Emily is finally home. We have not stopped fighting for her throughout this horrific ordeal. I want to thank everyone who never stopped saying her name.” Thank you to everyone in Israel, the UK, the US and all over the world for bringing Emily home. Emily’s nightmare in Gaza is over, but for many other families, the last hostage remains an impossible situation. Humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who must be released and who are still awaiting return. ”
Romi Gonen’s father, Eitan, recited the Jewish blessing “Shehecheyanu” on live TV, expressing his gratitude for his daughter’s safe return. Meanwhile, his grandmother Deborah expressed both relief and anguish. “I’ve been waiting for this day. Seeing my granddaughter home is my reason for living. But my heart goes out to the families who are still waiting. We have to bring something home.” all go home. ”
Hamas releases three hostages under Israeli ceasefire agreement
Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari and her mother Mandy meet Emily’s brother Tom Damari on the day Emily was released from captivity in Gaza in the hostage-prisoner deal between Hamas and Israel. When I’m on a video call with him and other loved ones, I see a photo on the handout. January 19, 2025.
Doron Steinbrecher’s family also expressed their gratitude to President-elect Trump in a statement, saying, “After 471 excruciating days, our beloved Dodo is back in our arms. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us and the people of Israel during this time for their unwavering strength.” We are especially grateful for President Trump’s tremendous commitment and support, which meant a lot to us.
Our hero Dodo begins his rehabilitation journey today. We remain committed to supporting all families until their loved ones return home. ”
Doron Steinbrecher’s family welcomes her free return after a touching reunion in Israel. (Maayan Tov (GPO))
Ashley Waxman Bakshi, Agam Berger’s cousin and a young soldier still in captivity, captured the mixed emotions of that day. “After going through hell, we desperately needed a moment to catch our breath and smile,” Bakshi told Fox New Digital at a rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square. Thousands of people gathered at the rally to witness the first stages of the agreement. “But this is just the beginning. We have to keep going until everyone goes home.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received real-time updates from IDF Coordinator Brigadier General Gal Hirsch, described the moment as highly emotional. “These three women have endured unimaginable darkness,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a telephone conversation with Hirsch. “Today, thanks to the heroic sacrifices of our soldiers, they have stepped into the light and are finally free. We will not stop until every last hostage is returned.”
The Israel Defense Forces will receive hostages on Sunday with a fully equipped camping trailer and comfortable supplies.
Three Israeli hostages, Emily Damali, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher, who were abducted in an attack by Palestinian armed groups on October 7, 2023, have been released and stepped out of a van near Reims in the south. Boarding an Israeli Air Force military transport helicopter in Israel on January 19, 2025, after the ceasefire and hostage and prisoner exchange agreement in the war between Israel and Hamas was implemented. (GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the three women with a message of hope: “Romi, Emily and Delon, you were much loved and missed, but the whole country rejoices in your return. Today we rejoice. It is a day of solace and a beginning of a challenge.” Together, we journey together on a journey of recovery and healing. ” Prime Minister Herzog also acknowledged the pain of families still waiting for news of their loved ones and promised that Israel would not rest until all hostages were returned home.
The release of the hostages is part of a deal brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, under which Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners convicted of murder. Critics are concerned about the potential security risks of releasing those involved in terrorist attacks that claimed Israeli lives. Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged these concerns, saying, “This is a moment of hope, but we must remain vigilant. We will not rest until all hostages are returned, alive or buried.” ” he said.
President Joe Biden reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting Israel and ensuring the success of the agreement, while recognizing its complexity. “We must see this agreement through. It is up to the next administration to continue this work, but today is progress.”
Romi Gonen is warmly welcomed into his family after being freed from Gaza by Hamas terrorists as part of a cease-fire agreement. (Maayan Tov (GPO))
While the agreement offers hope, it also raises concerns about its durability and consequences. Critics have questioned whether Hamas will abide by the terms of the multi-phase agreement and have expressed concern about releasing dangerous prisoners that could lead to a flare-up of violence.
The first phase of the agreement is expected to last five weeks, with hostages and prisoners being exchanged in carefully planned stages. Negotiations for the second phase will begin by the 16th, and will focus on the release of soldiers and young men and the return of their bodies. The IDF will maintain a presence in Gaza during this period and will move troops to the new safe zone to monitor implementation of the agreement.
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For the families of the 98 hostages still held by Hamas, Sunday’s events brought a glimmer of hope amidst their pain. “I am happy that my family was reunited today,” Bakshi said. “But this is far from over. This is just the beginning of a long journey to bring everyone home.”
