Hostages Return to Israeli Territory After 471-Day Ordeal
Three Israeli women, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, have returned to Israeli territory after being held captive in Gaza for 471 days. The hostages were handed over to Israeli forces by the Red Cross shortly before 5:38 p.m. on Sunday, amid a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The women, who were abducted in October 2023, were seen exiting a Red Cross vehicle, walking unassisted in central Gaza, before being transferred to Israeli special forces. The Red Cross reported that the three were in good condition.
According to official statements, the women have arrived at an initial reception point in southern Israel, where they reunited with their mothers as part of their reintegration process. They will be airlifted to Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv for further care.
The hostage release is part of a larger deal that includes the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners, including convicted murderers, who will be transferred to the West Bank or East Jerusalem. The ceasefire, which went into effect at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, aims to bring an end to the 471-day ordeal of the three women.
The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to bringing back all hostages and missing persons, and its support for the women and their families during the process. The Red Cross has played a crucial role in facilitating the hostage release, and Israeli forces have been stationed at the hospital where the women will be transferred, providing updates to their families and offering support.
The release of the hostages marks a significant milestone in the complex and often fragile peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
