Hamas Releases Israeli Hostages

The first three hostages released under a ceasefire deal with Hamas have arrived in Israel, the IDF has confirmed.

The Red Cross entered the Gaza Strip to pick up British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, at around 2pm GMT in Al-Saraya Square.

The three hostages are in good health, according to an Israeli official.

Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesman, said they are being brought to a facility near the border for an initial check-up.

“They are in our hands. They are coming home,” Mr Hagari said.

Their release followed a pause in the fighting that came into effect at 9:15am GMT, almost three hours later than planned.

In a statement, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “The release of three hostages today is wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony for them and their families. Among them is British citizen Emily Damari, who will now be reunited with her family, including her mother Amanda who has never stopped her tireless fight to bring her daughter home.

“I wish them all the very best as they begin the road to recovery after the intolerable trauma they have experienced. We stand ready to offer assistance and support.

“However, today also represents another day of suffering for those who haven’t made it home yet – so while this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas.

“We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a permanent and peaceful solution.”

The delay was caused by a failure by Hamas to provide Israel with the list of hostages it was going to free. Israel responded with heavy bombardment, killing at least 26 Palestinians.

Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners.

“We cannot and will not forget for a moment that 94 hostages – including women, children and elderly men – remain in Hamas captivity,” Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, said in a statement after the release of the Israeli hostages who were held in Gaza.