Hamas confirmed the release of three hostages, Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 23, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, on the first day of a ceasefire agreement. This initial phase will see 33 hostages freed in exchange for Palestinian detainees, humanitarian aid, and an IDF withdrawal from specific areas in Gaza.
Israel has agreed to release 30 Palestinian detainees for each civilian hostage and 50 for each female Israeli soldier released by Hamas. The first phase focuses on those considered vulnerable, including women, children, elderly, or wounded individuals.
Doron Steinbrecher, an Israeli-Romanian, was abducted from Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023. Her family expressed concerns over her health as Hamas reportedly withheld her medication.
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli, was taken from her Kfar Aza apartment after being shot in the hand and witnessing her dog’s killing. She suffered shrapnel injuries before being abducted in her car.
Romi Gonen was captured from the Nova Music Festival, where she was shot while on a call with her mother. Her last words were about her bleeding injuries and those of her companions.
The ceasefire, initially delayed, began after Hamas provided the list of hostages to be released, marking the start of a delicate exchange process.
