Three Israeli women freed in the first phase of a cease-fire deal with Hamas were spotted carrying paper bags containing personal items. Emily Damari, Romi Goren, and Doron Steinbrecher, who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, returned to Israel after over 15 months in captivity. The bags reportedly included a map of Gaza, photos of the women during their time in captivity, and certificates reading “release decision.” A representative for Damari’s family also stated that her bag contained a necklace.
The release of the hostages came as part of a cease-fire deal involving Hamas’s gradual release of 33 Israeli hostages over six weeks. In exchange, Israel would release nearly 2,000 prisoners and detainees from the West Bank and Gaza. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer thanked Netanyahu for securing Damari’s release, while Steinbrecher’s family expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and the people of Israel.
As part of the deal, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners. Crowds in the West Bank cheered, with some waving Hamas flags, after the detainees’ return. The cease-fire agreement also led to a shake-up within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), with Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi announcing his resignation and requesting to leave his role later this year.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/what-brown-bags-handed-israeli-hostages-released-hamas