Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his government’s commitment to freeing all hostages, following the release of three Israeli women under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The women, identified as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, had been held captive for 471 days after Hamas militants abducted them during their attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The assault resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and the abduction of more than 200 people. In response, Israel launched a counter-offensive in Gaza, during which over 46,000 Palestinians were reported killed.
The landmark ceasefire deal, announced last week, also facilitated the release of over 100 hostages during a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023.
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his support on social media platform X, writing, “The Government of Israel embraces the three women who have returned. Their families have been updated by the relevant authorities that they are with our forces. The Government of Israel is committed to returning all of the hostages and missing.”
Israeli Defense Force spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed the release of the three hostages, saying, “Today, as part of these ongoing efforts, we welcomed home three young women after 471 days in Hamas captivity. We salute and embrace them and their families as they reunite after so long.”
He elaborated that the women were receiving medical care and being reunited with their families at an IDF reception center.
- Emily Tehila Damari, abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, marked her 28th birthday in captivity.
- Doron Steinbrecher, also from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, marked her 31st birthday in captivity.
- Romi Gonen, abducted from the “Nova” music festival, marked her 24th birthday in captivity.
Rear Admiral Hagari also emphasized the ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages. “Our hearts are with all the hostages still being held in Gaza under inhumane conditions, and we eagerly await their return,” he said.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began at 11:15 a.m. local time on Sunday, includes plans to release additional hostages in the coming weeks. Hagari stated, “The first stage of the agreement is expected to last approximately 42 days. From now on, three to four additional hostages will be released each week.”
The agreement also aims to facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, marking a significant step in addressing the ongoing crisis.