A ceasefire has finally begun in Gaza – and the first three Israeli hostages, including a British woman, have been freed from captivity and reunited with their families.
A Red Cross convoy was handed three hostages including British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28 – along with Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher at just after 3.20pm UK time (5.20pm local time). “The Red Cross has communicated that the three Israeli hostages were transferred to them and are on their way toward IDF and Israel Securities Authority forces in the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
The hostages have now been reunited with their families. A heartwarming image shows Ms Damari smiling with her mother as she spoke to her brother on a video call after the pair emotionally reunited on Israeli soil.
In return for the safe delivery of the three Israeli women, Hamas says Israel has agreed to hand over 90 Palestinian prisoners from the Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank, which include 69 women and 21 teenage boys, the Hamas Prisoners Media Office said. Of those, 76 will be released from the West Bank and 14 from Jerusalem, it said.
Meanwhile, the UN food agency said the first of its aid trucks entered into Gaza via two crossings today. They crossed into the strip via Zikim in the north and Kerem Shalom in the south. Meanwhile, other aid trucks have been seen entering via the Rafah crossing.
The ceasefire, which is the second truce in the 15-month war, finally began after a delay of nearly three hours. It is set to be implemented in three phases. The first phase started today at 9.15am GMT (11.15am local time) and will last for 42 days.
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Hamas claimed the ceasefire agreement could have come sooner.
Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida said: “The agreement reached could have been made a year ago if it had aligned with Netanyahu’s ambitions.
“We are committed to the ceasefire agreement, but this depends on the enemy’s adherence.”
The far-right Jewish Power party is quitting the Israeli government in protest at the ceasefire deal, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with just a razor-thin parliamentary majority. National security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, along with Yitzhak Wasserlauf and Amichai Eliyahu, submitted their letters of resignation.
When displaced Palestinians started to return to their homes, they were met with scenes of total devastation caused by 15 months of brutal Israeli bombardment.
“But now, after the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, following 470 days of war – marked by genocide, deprivation, hunger, injustice, loss, exploitation, and the anguish of living in tents – we are awaiting a bittersweet return.”
Shopkeeper Ahmad Al-Hamadiyat said: “Throughout the war, I prayed to God to spare me and my children from the relentless attacks, random shelling and ground invasions.
Mahmoud Anwar Abu-Salem said: “The house, the whole thing, was reduced to rubble – 50 people in my family will now live in the streets.
“Schools have also been destroyed. There is no life at all.”
There were equally ecstatic scenes as 90 Palestinian prisoners – 69 women and 21 teenage boys – prepared to go home after being freed by Israel.
In a separate development, Israel announced it had recovered the body of Oron Shaul, a soldier killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, in a special operation in Gaza.
The bodies of Mr Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, remained there after the 2014 war and had not been returned.
The ceasefire deal was announced last week after a year of mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt.
The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team had both pressed for an agreement to be reached before the inauguration on Monday.
Mr Netanyahu on Saturday warned that he had Mr Trump’s backing to continue fighting if necessary.
The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released.
There has been a swell of heartwarming images following the release of the three hostages earlier today.
All three have been snapped in emotional moments reuniting with loved ones.
The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire should see 33 hostages returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released.
Many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home. There is also supposed to be a surge of humanitarian aid, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before.
The United Nations’ World Food Programme said trucks started entering through two crossings after the ceasefire took hold.
This is just the second ceasefire in the war, longer and more consequential than a week-long pause in November 2023, with the potential to end the fighting for good.
The British family of a hostage held by Hamas are appealing to the Israeli authorities to be the ones to tell him his wife and children were killed.
Eli Sharabi, 52, is probably unaware his British wife Lianne and their girls died, Lianne’s brother Stephen Brisley said. Stephen does not want Eli to hear the news from an official or a soldier. Eli’s name is on a list to be freed soon.
Bristol-born Lianne, 48, and their kids Noiya, 16, and Yahel, 13, were killed in the October 7 attacks in Israel. Eli, pictured right, was captured – apparently before his family were shot. Stephen, of Bridgend, South Wales, said: “I think the prospect of getting back to Lianne and the girls is what’s kept him going.
“When he finds out they’re not alive, that could finish and crush him. I want to reassure him we will always be here, and we will do whatever he needs to help him recover. That’s [if] Eli is alive.”
The freed hostages can be seen in an emotional video reuniting with their friends and family members at Sheba hospital earlier today.
Hamas is still holding 91 people, but Israel believes that only 61 are alive. The next swap – three to four hostages are set to be released each week – is due on January 25.
Pictures of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari being reunited with her family. A happy ending after so many tragic ones on both sides. We’ll be reporting on the hope & the challenges ahead from Jerusalem & Gaza on @BBCr4today tomorrow from 6-9 am pic.twitter.com/h4ANpFA8DB
There is concern for the future health of the hostages following over 400 days in captivity.
Doctors fear salt imbalances and refeeding syndrome, which are problems that occur when a malnourished person has food introduced too quickly. Arriving at an IDF base today, doctors received a teaspoon of sugar, applesauce and three biscuits along with the vitamin B1, the Jerusalem Post reported.
Reports today indicated the hostages were in good health
Mr Swinney said: “It is my sincere hope that this ceasefire marks the start of a long-term political solution in the Middle East.
“I welcome the return of the hostages to their families who are being released as part of the ceasefire deal. The agreement is also long overdue for the people of Gaza who have endured unimaginable suffering over the past 15 months.
“There is still significant work required to ensure peace and security across the region. The focus must now be on removing all obstacles to delivery of humanitarian aid to those across Gaza who so badly need it.”
In a statement, the Israeli military said: “The three released hostages, together with their mothers, just landed at a hospital, where they will be reunited with the rest of their families and receive medical treatment.
“The IDF, ISA, the Mossad, and Israeli health authorities are ready to continue receiving additional hostages and are operating to bring home all the hostages.”
The family of vet Doron Steinbrecher released a statement following her 471 days in captivity.
“After an unbearable 471 days, our beloved Dodo has finally returned to our arms,” they said in a touching message. “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and accompanied us along this journey.”
“Our heroic Dodo, who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, begins her rehabilitation journey today… We will continue to stand with all the families and do everything in our power until all of their loved ones return home.”
In further images from the moments the families were reunited today, 24-year-old Romi Gonen can be seen clinging to her mother.
The hostages’ mothers waiting to meet them earlier today. Israeli media, carrying live footage from Qatar-based Al Jazeera, showed the three women walking to Red Cross vehicles as their convoy moved through Gaza City.
The vehicles were accompanied by armed men who wore green Hamas headbands and struggled to guard the cars from an unruly crowd that swelled into the thousands.
Another image shows Doron Steinbrecher, 31, cluthching her mother tightly.
Moving images of hostages reunited with their mothers have emerged.
Freed British hostage Emily Damari was seen smiling with her mother Mandy. Mandy posted a photo on social media of her and her daughter video-calling loved ones, with the caption: “Emily is home” followed by a love heart emoji.
She said in a statement on Sunday afternoon: “After 471 days Emily is finally home.
“I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name. In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home.
“While Emily’s nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues. Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home.
“We ask that the media please respect Emily’s and our family’s privacy during this time.”
In Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” hundreds of people gathered to watch the release on giant TV screens.
There were huge cheers as the women were filmed being handed over to the Red Cross. “It’s a very emotional moment,” said Tania Coen-Uzzielli. “We were waiting for this moment since the last release which was more than one year ago.”
The Red Cross said the women were in “good health”.
The IDF has posted another image of Emily being reunited with her mother following her release by Hamas.
The Israeli military’s official Twitter account posted the image with the caption: “Emily is finally back where she belongs—safe in her mother’s arms, still smiling and stronger than ever.”
It appears Emily has lost two fingers from her hand, which is bandaged up – although this is yet unconfirmed by any source.
Emily is finally back where she belongs—safe in her mother’s arms, still smiling and stronger than ever. pic.twitter.com/ulGlAbJ17n
Israel’s military earlier shared a touching video of elated family members cheering as the first three hostages were released.
Their joy was evident as they watched them being transferred to the IDF after being picked up by a Red Cross convoy in Gaza.
All three of them have spent 15 months being held in captivity by Hamas.
The below video shows the incredible moment three Israeli hostages were handed to Red Cross workers today
The release of Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, followed the first psrt of a three-phase ceasefire between Hamas and Israel coming into force.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has welcomed the release of three hostages in Gaza.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, Mr Lammy said: “We welcome the release of three hostages in Gaza, including British national Emily Damari, and thank Qatar, Egypt and the US for their support in bringing these individuals’ and their families’ horrific ordeal to an end.”
But he added: “Our thoughts are also with those still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones, including the families of UK linked hostages Eli Sharabi, Oded Lifshitz and Avinatan Or. We are clear the deal must be implemented in full; all hostages be returned and aid be allowed to flow into Gaza now.
“This ceasefire must lead to a credible pathway towards a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.”
The first image of Emily Damari reuinting with her mother after 470 days in Hamas captivity has been obtained by Sky News.
The image shows the elated pair talking to her brother on a video call, with the picture showing the close up of a split screen on a smartphone.
It is the first time she has seen either her mother or brother since the October 7 terror attacks in 2023.
Hamas says it will continue to adbide by the ceasefire agreeement – as long as Israel stays committed to the process.
In a video speech, al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida said: “Everything is dependent on the commitment by the enemy. Violations from the side of the occupation (Israel) would put the process at risk,” said Abu Ubaida.
“We are keen to succeed in all stages of the agreement, its details and timings to preserve the blood of our people and achieve their goals, and we urge the mediators to compel the enemy to abide by it,” he added.
Emily Damari’s mother has thanked “everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal” after her daughter’s release.
Mandy Damari said in a statement: “After 471 days Emily is finally home.
“I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name. In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home.
“While Emily’s nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues. Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home.
“We ask that the media please respect Emily’s and our family’s privacy during this time.”
Emily Damari’s mother has thanked “everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal” after her daughter’s release. Mandy Damari said in a statement: “After 471 days Emily is finally home.
“I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name. In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home.
“While Emily’s nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues. Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home. We ask that the media please respect Emily’s and our family’s privacy during this time.”
Stephen Brisley, whose brother-in-law is also a hostage, bonded with Ms Damari’s family over their shared experiences, and said he cried when he saw she had been named as one of the hostages to be released. Mr Brisley, who is originally from Bristol but lives in South Wales, said: “I’m not ashamed to say that I shed more than a few tears a couple of hours ago when it was confirmed, particularly that Emily was coming out, because I have that personal connection with Mandy, her mum, and have spent time with her and with members of her wider family, her aunt and uncle. I know what this means to them, and so I’m incredibly pleased and joyous for them.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The release of three hostages today is wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony for them and their families. Among them is British citizen Emily Damari, who will now be reunited with her family, including her mother Amanda who has never stopped her tireless fight to bring her daughter home.
“I wish them all the very best as they begin the road to recovery after the intolerable trauma they have experienced. We stand ready to offer assistance and support.
“However, today also represents another day of suffering for those who haven’t made it home yet – so while this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas.
“We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a permanent and peaceful solution.”
Antonio Guterres has welcomed the ceasefire deal.
He posted on Twitter/X: “I welcome the start of the implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. We stand ready to support this implementation & scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer.
“It is imperative that this ceasefire removes the significant security & political obstacles to delivering aid.”
I welcome the start of the implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.
We stand ready to support this implementation & scale up the delivery of sustained humanitarian relief to the countless Palestinians who continue to suffer.
It is imperative that this…
Daniel Hagari has confirmed the three women are being brought to a facility near the border for an initial check-up before being taken to hospital.
During a press conference he says the former hostages – Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher – “are now in safe hands”.
“They are in our hands. They are coming home,” he added.
They’re home. pic.twitter.com/PHkJ3yZLrV
UN Women has released a statement in response to the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
The United Nations organisation said: “UN Women welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, including the hostage release deal, which went into effect today.
“We join the Secretary-General in expressing hope that all parties will honor their commitments to ensure this agreement paves the way for a lasting peace for women and girls in Palestine, Israel, and the region. The news of the ceasefire brings relief for the 1 million women and girls who have lived under continued bombardment, without safety in Gaza for the last 470 days.
“The news of the initial release of hostages brings immense relief to them and their families. The ceasefire agreement marks a crucial step towards stability and peace.
“Urgent humanitarian relief is needed throughout Gaza to alleviate the immense suffering. The conflict has caused death and destruction on an unprecedented scale for everyone in Gaza, with women and girls suffering from specific gendered vulnerabilities throughout it. Women have been at the forefront of humanitarian responses and community action, serving as primary caregivers, heads of households, and leaders in their communities.”
British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari has been released by Hamas, her lawyer Adam Wagner said on social media.
In a statement posted on social media, Wagner and Adam Rose, lawyers for the British hostage families, said: “We are delighted that our client, Emily Damari, has finally been released, after over 15 months of captivity by Hamas terrorists. We cannot wait to meet her.
“We are thankful to everyone who has played parts in campaigning for her release, including the British government who have provided support over the past 15 months.
“We request now that the family is allowed some peace and space.
“We continue to call for the speedy return of the other four hostages with strong British connections and for whom we act, Eli Sharabi, Yossi Sharabi (deceased), Oded Lifshitz and Avinatan Or, and of all of the other hostages.”
The three women have now entered Israeli territory.
Below is an image of one of the hostages seen outside a van during the transfer of the three women by the Red Cross at al-Saraya.
President Joe Biden has given his last ever press conference, offering his remarks on the ceasefire deal that has “come to fruition” today.
He said how “the guns in Gaza have gone silent” to reporters at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston.#
He said that hundreds of aid trucks are in Gaza “as I speak”.
“They’re carrying assistance for civilians who suffered enormously from the war that Hamas started on October 7, 2023, nearly 15 months ago.”
The region, he said, has been “fundamentally transformed”.
“The release of hostages is a result of a principled and effective policy that we’ve presided over for months. And we got it. We got here without a wider war in the Middle East, that many predicted.
“And it now falls to the next administration to help them implement this deal.”
Donald Trump will, of course, be taking office in the White House when he is inaugurated at 5pm UK time tomorrow (12pm local time).
The 90 Palestinian prisoners set to be released Sunday in exchange for three hostages held by Hamas include 69 women, according to a list provided to The Associated Press.
The youngest is Mahmoud Aliowat, 15.
The prisoners to be released include Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a leftist faction with an armed group that has carried out attacks on Israelis.
New York-based Human Rights Watch said her repeated arrests are part of Israel’s wider crackdown on non-violent political opposition.
Dalal Khaseeb, 53, the sister of former Hamas second-in-command Saleh Arouri, is also on the list, which was provided by Hamas. Arouri was killed in an Israeli strike in a southern Beirut suburb in January 2024.
Also listed for release is Abla Abdelrasoul, 68, the wife of detained PFLP leader Ahmad Saadat who killed an Israeli Cabinet minister in 2001 and has been serving a 30-year sentence.
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