First three Israeli hostages released by Hamas received by Red Cross, handed over to Israeli authorities

The long-awaited ceasefire came into effect on Sunday, 19 January 2025 after 15 months.

New Delhi: Palestinian group Hamas on Sunday, 19 January 2025 released three Israeli hostages who were received by the Red Cross, who then handed them over to Israel.

The long-awaited ceasefire came into effect on Sunday, 19 January 2025 after 15 months of fierce and violent military conflict in the Gaza Strip which resulted in the deaths of about 50 thousand Gaza civilians, most of them women and children.

The first three hostages to be released under the deal, as announced by Hamas are identified as Emily Damari (28), Doron Steinbrecher (31), and Romi Gonen (24), all Israeli women.

The three stepped out of a vehicle surrounded by armed Hamas fighters. They were then transferred into vehicles belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Earlier, Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, who participated in the ceasefire talks said Hamas has handed Israel the list of three hostages.

There were reports doing the rounds that the hostage list was delayed due to technical issues while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they continued attacks in Gaza as ceasefire with Hamas had still not come into effect as the group had not provided a list of hostages to be released.

“The IDF continues to strike within the Gaza area at this time. According to the prime minister’s directives, the ceasefire will not come into effect until Hamas fulfils its commitments,” said military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari in a televised statement.

The IDF directed its units in Gaza to cease fire at 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT). The ceasefire is said to be the outcome of intense efforts and multiple rounds of talks involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

The three released hostages will be transferred to the Red Cross and then to a military compound near the Gaza border before being transported to Sheba Medical Center outside Tel Aviv, where they will reunite with their families. The hospital said isolated areas were prepared for them where they could begin recovering in privacy.

Meanwhile, Israel will, in exchange, is expected to release on Sunday about 90 Palestinian detainees from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, primarily women and minors.