Saturday evening, people across the nation of Israel celebrated as the initial three Israeli hostages were released after 471 days of captivity. Emotions were high as the mothers of Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher were reunited with their children at the Gaza border air base where Hamas released the women to the Red Cross. They were then airlifted to the hospital where they were reunited with the remainder of family and friends and will begin their recovery process. Hundreds of Israelis lined the streets leading to the hospital, singing and shouting to welcome the hostages home.
Part of the ceasefire deal required that Hamas submit a list of hostages they intended to release on Saturday at a predetermined time. Due to what Hamas called “technical field reasons” they were three hours late delivering this list. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the IDF that the ceasefire was not to begin until Israel was given this list of hostages. Therefore, the IDF continued their operations after the planned ceasefire time. Hamas confirmed that despite delays, they are committed to the ceasefire deal, but they will not release the remaining hostages without a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal.
Following the release of the Israeli women, Israel freed a group of 90 security prisoners serving terms in Israeli prisons in compliance with the terms of the hostage for ceasefire deal. Moving forward, the deal will allow for the release of 33 Israeli hostages over the next six weeks in exchange for 2,000 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The agreement provides for the gradual release of these hostages over the next six weeks in exchange for the Palestinians prisoners.