Three Israeli hostages, all women, have been released under an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza. Romi Gonen, 23, was freed along with Doron Steinbrecher, 30, who was captured while on her way home from work as a veterinary nurse. The third woman, identified only as Emily Damari, is a British citizen who was taken into custody by Hamas militants.
According to the agreement, 33 hostages are set to be released during the first phase of the cease-fire, including female soldiers and civilians, children, men over 50, and sick and wounded people. The majority of those being held in Gaza, around 100, are thought to still be alive.
The release of the three women was announced on Sunday as part of an initial six-week phase of the agreement. Video footage released by the Israeli military showed the three hostages being reunited with their families at Sheba Hospital in Israel.
Family members described their loved ones as strong and resilient during a difficult ordeal. Romi Gonen’s sister, Yarden, said that her family had been holding vigils for hostages in Tel Aviv, while Emily Damari’s mother, Mandy Damari, spoke out on behalf of other families still waiting to be released.
The release comes after months of negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with President-elect Donald Trump reportedly playing a significant role in securing the deal. The agreement is seen as a major breakthrough in the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives since October 7, 2023.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/19/world/middleeast/hostages-emily-tamari-doron-steinbrecher-romi-gonen.html