In the first images of three hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari, being released to the Israeli Defense Forces on Sunday after their long captivity by Hamas, their faces tell a story of resilience. After spending 471 days as prisoners, the three women were able to walk without assistance from Red Cross vehicles to waiting IDF officers, marking the first step in Israel’s historic cease-fire and hostage exchange agreement with Hamas.
The return of the three women was celebrated throughout Israel. Mandy Damari, the mother of British-Israeli Emily Damari, said in a statement, “After 471 days, Emily is finally home. I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily during this terrible tragedy and Who never stopped calling her name.” Thank you for bringing Emily home to Israel, Britain, the United States and around the world. While Emily’s nightmare in Gaza is over, the impossible wait for many other families Continuing, every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian assistance must be provided to those hostages who are still waiting to come home.”
In a live broadcast, Romy Gonen’s father Eitan recited the Jewish blessing “Shehecheyanu” in gratitude for his daughter’s safe return. Meanwhile, her grandmother, Deborah, expressed both relief and anguish: “I’ve waited for this day, it’s why I live to see my granddaughter come home. But my heart goes out to the families who are We will have to bring them all at home.”
Hamas releases 3 hostages under Israel ceasefire deal
Former hostage British-Israeli Emily Damari and her mother Mandy hold a video call with Emily’s brother Tom Damari and other loved ones on the day Emily was released from Gazan captivity in a hostage-taking deal between Hamas and Israel , in a handout photo January 19, 2025.
Doron Steinbrecher’s family also thanked President-elect Trump in their statement, “After 471 unbearable days, our beloved Dodo has returned to our arms. We deeply thank all those who supported him during our most difficult moments. We are especially grateful for President Trump’s significant partnership and support, which means a lot to us.
Our brave dodo begins his rehabilitation journey today. We are committed to standing with all families until their loved ones come home.”
Doron Steinbrecher’s family welcomed his return to freedom in an emotional reunion in Israel. (Maayan Tof (GPO))
Agam Berger’s cousin Ashley Waxman Bakshi – a young soldier who was still captive – captured the mixed emotions of the day. “After enduring hell, we desperately needed a moment to breathe and smile,” Bakshi told Fox New Digital during a gathering in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where thousands gathered to witness the first phase of the deal. Came along.” “But this is just the beginning. We need to keep this going until everyone gets home.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received a real-time update from IDF coordinator Brigadier General (res.) Gal Hirsch, described the moment as extremely emotional. “These three women have endured unimaginable darkness,” Netanyahu said on the call with Hirsch. “Today, they are walking free, into the light, thanks to the heroic sacrifices of our soldiers. We will not stop until every last hostage is returned.”
Israel Defense Forces will receive hostages on Sunday with equipped camper trailers and comfortable supplies
Three freed Israeli hostages, Emily Damri, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher, who were kidnapped during attacks by Palestinian militants during October 7, 2023, board an Israeli Air Force military transport helicopter near Rem in southern Israel First got out of a van. On January 19, 2025, a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange agreement was implemented in the war between Israel and Hamas. (Gil Cohen-Magen/AFP via Getty Images)
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog welcomed the three women with a message of hope: “Romy, Emily, and Doron – so sweet and beloved – the whole nation is rejoicing at your return. It is a day of joy and rest, and a “The challenging journey of recovery and healing begins together.” Herzog also acknowledged the pain of families who are still waiting for news of their loved ones, pledging that Israel will not rest until all hostages are brought home.
The release of the hostages comes as part of a US-Qatar-Egypt brokered deal in which Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners, some of whom are convicted of murder. Critics fear the potential security risks of releasing individuals involved in terror attacks that claimed Israeli lives. Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged these concerns, saying, “This is a moment of hope, but we must remain vigilant. We will not rest until all hostages are returned, alive or buried.”
President Joe Biden, while acknowledging its complexity, reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting Israel and ensuring the success of the deal. “This agreement must be seen through to its end. It is up to the next administration to continue this work, but today a step forward has been taken.”
Romy Gonen is warmly embraced by his family after his release from Gaza by Hamas militants under a ceasefire agreement. (Maayan Tof (GPO))
While the deal raises hopes, it also raises concerns about its sustainability and consequences. Critics question whether Hamas will respect the terms of the multi-phase agreement and express fears over the release of dangerous prisoners who could potentially incite violence.
The first phase of the agreement is scheduled to last five weeks, with an exchange of hostages and prisoners in carefully planned phases. By the 16th day, the second phase of talks will begin, focusing on the release of soldiers and jawans as well as the return of dead bodies. The IDF will maintain a presence in Gaza during this period and will move troops to a new security zone to monitor implementation of the deal.
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For the families of the 98 hostages still held by Hamas, Sunday’s events brought a ray of hope amid pain. “We are happy to have the families reunited today,” Bakshi said. “But it’s not over yet. This is just the beginning of a long journey to get everyone home.”
