Three Released Hostages Back in Israel After Being Freed in Gaza Ceasefire
Three female Israeli hostages held by Hamas for 15 months have been released and brought back to Israel, the Israeli military says, after a long-awaited ceasefire deal took effect.
Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, who is also a British citizen, were due to be freed in exchange for 95 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The start of the ceasefire was delayed by almost three hours on Sunday morning, with Israel blaming Hamas for failing to provide the three hostages’ names. Nineteen Palestinians were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes before the list was delivered.
Once the truce began, hundreds of displaced people began heading back to their homes across Gaza.Lorries carrying desperately needed humanitarian aid also began crossing into the territory.
The three-phase deal was brokered last week by the US, Egypt and Qatar, where the foreign ministry spokesman said it was the “last chance for peace”.
The first phase lasting six weeks should see a total 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas exchanged for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
