On Sunday, 19 January, as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the release of hostages and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners began. The process started at 16:00 local time. The first three hostages released were Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, who had been held captive for 471 days.
Under the terms of the agreement, Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of serious crimes. All of them will be transferred to the West Bank or East Jerusalem.
Stories of released hostages
Romi Gonen was captured on 7 October 2023 during an attack on her town. Her mother recalls her last phone call, when she reported the shelling, and then the connection was cut off.
Emily Damari, a British citizen, was abducted from her home in Kfar Azza. She managed to send a selfie to her family before being captured.
Doron Steinbrecher last spoke to her sister Ammit, saying that she felt safe. Hamas later released a video confirming that the woman was alive.
Preparing for the return
The Israeli Defence Forces have set up three reception centres near the Gaza border to receive the released hostages. Medical, police and security personnel are working there to conduct an initial examination and provide further transport to hospitals.
Security under the ceasefire
Despite the agreement, the military remains on high alert. Security measures have been stepped up in the West Bank, and air defence in the region has been intensified to prevent possible violations of the agreement.
The exchange operation is ongoing and can be followed live on Ynetnews and ILTV.
