First Three Hostages Released from Gaza as Fragile Ceasefire Takes Effect

Three hostages were freed from Gaza on Sunday, marking the first major test of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The hostages, Romi Gonen (24), kidnapped from the Nova music festival, and Emily Damari (28) and Doron Steinbrecher (31), taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, were transferred to Israeli forces after being held by Hamas. The release follows an agreement that Israel will gradually release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a total of 33 captives over the next six weeks.

As the hostages were escorted to Red Cross vehicles through Gaza City, large crowds gathered, some struggling to control their excitement as Hamas guards accompanied the convoy. In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered to watch the live broadcast, cheering as the first hostages were returned home.

The ceasefire, which took effect after a delay of several hours, has brought cautious optimism, with hopes rising for a long-awaited end to the 15-month conflict. However, the delay in the truce’s start has underscored the fragility of the agreement.