Hamas frees 3 Israeli hostages under Gaza cease-fire deal
A cease-fire agreement between Israel and terrorist group Hamas began Sunday with the release of three Israeli hostages, in exchange for some 90 Palestinian prisoners in.
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Incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on Sunday told a Washington D.C. crowd of supporters of President-elect Trump that the cease-fire and hostage deal wouldn’t have been possible without the involvement of the incoming commander-in-chief.
Witkoff, who took part in the brokering deal between Israel and Hamas in Qatar, said Trump was responsible for the release of three hostages on Sunday.
“We had a great team, but it doesn’t happen without Donald J. Trump,” he said. “The president was responsible for this release, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude, as do all the families.”
“His leadership extends beyond our borders, influencing the world in ways that reflect the best of our ideals,” he added, pointing to the Abraham Accords that were negotiated during Trump’s first term. “The accords are a testament to the president’s belief that peace is achievable when we approach challenges with strength, clarity and a shared vision for the future.”
“The Middle East is home to extraordinary potential, and through President Trump’s leadership, we are unlocking that potential in ways that benefit the region and the entire world,” said Witkoff.
Israel retrieved the body of one of its fallen soldiers killed in 2014 in Gaza hours before the cease-fire deal with Hamas began, the Israel Defense Forces announced Sunday.
Staff Sergeant Oron Shaul, 20, died with several other soldiers when they entered Gaza City on July 20, 2014 in a military vehicle during “Operation Protective Edge.” The vehicle was struck by an anti-tank missile fired by Hamas, killing all those inside, authorities said.
“This was a significant intelligence and operational undertaking that lasted over the past decade since his fall and abduction, and especially during the war and over the past few days," said IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. "The IDF and ISA (Shin Bet) worked around the clock for many years to bring Oron, may his memory be a blessing, to burial in Israel.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the development.
“I embrace the dear members of the Shaul family and commend the IDF and ISA forces for their resourcefulness and their bravery,” he said in a statement.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he called Shaul's mother to give her the news.
“I send strength to her and her family, on behalf of the entire nation, upon hearing the news of the return of his body after more than a decade," Herzog said. "I told her that an entire nation held its breath this morning.”
Officials noted that Israel was also working to get the body of fallen Lt. Hadar Goldin, who was also killed during the mission.
“The photographs of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, of blessed memory, who fell during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, have been before me in my office for many years as daily testimony to my commitment to bring them back home,” said Netanyahu. “We have completed the mission to bring back Oron and will not rest until we also complete the mission to bring back Hadar Goldin.”
More than 630 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the first day of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, the United Nations said.
Tom Fletcher, the UN undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said at least 300 of the trucks went to northern Gaza.
"There is no time to lose," he wrote on X. “After 15 months of war, the humanitarian needs are staggering.”
Israel has released 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, hours after three Israeli hostages released from Hamas captivity in Gaza returned to Israel.
The prisoners were freed from Israel’s Ofer prison, just outside the West Bank city of Ramallah, as crowds of Palestinians thronged the buses, chanting and cheering.
The release took place in the middle of the night, in what Palestinians criticized as an attempt to dampen the mood and deter crowds from welcoming the prisoners home.
The cease-fire and hostage deal involves Hamas gradually releasing 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza over the next six weeks in exchange for Israel releasing nearly 2,000 prisoners and detainees from the West Bank and Gaza.
The Associated Press contributed to this post.
The delay in releasing Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel was the result of a last-minute conflict over the names on the list, Hamas said.
Hours after the terror group released three captives as part of a negotiated cease-fire and hostage deal, crowds gathered outside Israel’s Ofer prison near the West Bank city of Ramallah were still waiting for the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
“During the process of checking the names of the prisoners being released from Ofer prison, there was found to be one female prisoner missing," Hamas said.
Officials were in communication with mediators and the Red Cross in hopes of pressuring Israel “to adhere to the agreed-upon list of prisoners," said Hamas.
Israel has not commented on the delay.
The Associated Press contributed to this post.
President-elect Trump's incoming national security adviser said the United States will stand with Israel should Hamas violate the cease-fire deal.
During an appearance on CNN's “State of the Union," Michael Waltz said “we will be with them," referring to the U.S. and Israel.
“I think there is a level of trust and confidence in this incoming Trump administration that wasn't there before frankly from the Israelis,” said Waltz.
He added that trust and confidence is why Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “felt comfortable pushing this through his government.”
Waltz added that Trump will support Israel as it is does what it needs to do to ensure that Hamas never controls the Gaza Strip again.
Israel’s ambassador to the United States partially credited the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump for the hostage deal on Sunday.
Ambassador Michael Herzog also cited Israel's degrading of Hamas for the release of three hostages so far.
“Since President Trump came into the picture and said he wants a deal, I think that factored into their (Hamas') calculations,” he said on “Fox News Sunday."
Herzog also described an “unprecedented cooperation” between President Biden’s team and Trump’s envoys.
“This helped us get across the finish line,” he said.
In the long term, Herzog said he sees “a role for the U.S. and other regional actors to apply and create alternatives to Hamas and stabilize the situation.”
The three hostages handed over to Israel by Hamas arrived at a hospital in stable condition, officials said.
“Over the next few days, they will undergo a battery of medical tests in order to prepare proper treatments after enduring such a torturous experience at the hands of Hamas terrorists,” said Yitshak Kreiss, the director-general of the of Sheba Medical Center.
The three women were held in captivity for 471 days following Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the release of the first three Israeli hostages as a “deeply meaningful moment," saying Ukrainians “know the pain of separation” between loved ones.
“Seeing families reunited, and knowing the tears of relief and joy it brings, is something we can all connect with,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “As Ukrainians, we know the pain of separation and hope of bringing loved ones back home.”
“The path to lasting peace and dignity for all people is still long and challenging, but we hope for further progress toward security, stability, and normal life in the entire Middle East,” he added.
“Ukraine wishes for peace, justice, and reliable security guarantees for all nations, just as we continue to fight for them ourselves.”
Video footage captured the first moments when three hostages were reunited with their families in Israel after 15 months in captivity.
Emily Damari, 28, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Romi Gonen, 24, saw their loved ones at an Israeli hospital following their release by Hamas on Sunday.
The three women, who were held for 471 days, were seen being warmly embraced by their families at the Sheba Hospital in Tel Aviv.
The mother of British-Israeli Emily Damari, who was released by Hamas on Sunday, thanked the world for helping secure her release from the terror group.
“After 471 days Emily is finally home," Mandy Damari said in a statement. “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," she added.
Families of hostages being held captive by Hamas gathered Sunday in Washington D.C. to urge President-elect Trump to ensure the cease-fire and hostage deal is fully implemented.
They gathered in front of the Washington Monument to address the public, the Hostages and Missing Families’ Forum said in a post on X.
“We welcome each freed hostage with open arms, but our fight continues until all 94 hostages return home,” the families stated.
The gathering featured giant banners with the urgent messages: "President Trump - You can make it happen, Bring Them Home NOW", and images of the hostages still captive in Gaza. The crowd continually chanted, "Bring Them Home, Now!" to amplify their plea.
Yonatan Dekel-Chen, father of American-Israeli hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen stated: “I want to thank the press for keeping their attention for the sake of the hostages and for the people standing behind us this whole time. Seeing the United States and understanding the United States as a beacon on the hill to the rest of the world.”
“The outgoing Biden administration, who have been absolutely committed, and the incoming Trump administration that have inserted new energy into this process, have created an amazing American moment in history. We mustn't stop until they are all home,” he added.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who resigned from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet over the cease-fire deal, said the remaining hostages being held in Gaza should be freed “through the use of force.”
In a post on X, Ben-Gvir welcomed the release of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher.
“Romi, Doron, and Emily, we are happy and excited at your return. We look forward to the return of the remaining hostages – through the use of force, stopping fuel supplies, halting humanitarian aid, and not through surrender,” Ben-Gvir said on X in a post translated from Hebrew to English.
On Sunday, Ben-Gvir resigned from the coalition government over the cease-fire deal, because it requires the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza's southern border with Egypt.
The family of Doron Steinbrecher, one of the three hostages returned to Israel on Sunday following more than a year in captivity by Hamas, thanked the “people of Israel” and President-elect Trump for her release.
“After an unbearable 471 days, our beloved Dodo has finally returned to our arms. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and accompanied us along this journey,” the family said in a statement released through the Hostages and Missing Families’ Forum.
“A special thank you to the people of Israel for their warm embrace, unwavering support, and the strength they gave us during our darkest moments. We also extend our gratitude to President Trump for his significant involvement and support, which meant so much to us,” the statement continued.
Three Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023 have reunited with their mothers after more than a year in captivity.
The released hostages, all young women, were identified as Doron Steinbrecher, 31; Romi Gonen, 24; and Emily Damari, 28.
Images released by the Israel Defense Forces show the women embracing their mothers upon meeting after more than 15 months apart.
“This is a very moving day. Tell Romi, Doron and Emily – an entire nation embraces you,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "Welcome home. We will return them all, and we will achieve all of our objectives for the war."
In the first images of the three hostages Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari being released to the Israeli Defense Forces on Sunday after their long captivity by Hamas, their faces told a story of resilience. After spending 471 days as prisoners, all three women were able to walk unaided from Red Cross vehicles to waiting IDF officials, marking the first step in Israel's historic cease-fire and hostage exchange agreement with Hamas.
The return of the three women was celebrated across Israel. Mandy Damari, mother of British-Israeli Emily 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."
In a live broadcast, Romi Gonen’s father, Eitan, recited the Jewish blessing "Shehecheyanu," expressing gratitude for his daughter’s safe return. Meanwhile, her grandmother, Debora, voiced both relief and anguish: "I’ve waited for this day, this is the reason I live for, to see my granddaughter come home. But my heart is with the families still waiting. We must bring them all home."
Ashley Waxman Bakshi, the cousin of Agam Berger—a young soldier still held captive—captured the mixed emotions of the day. "After enduring hell, we desperately needed a moment to breathe and smile," Bakshi told Fox New Digital during a gathering in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where thousands came together to witness the first phase of the deal. "But this is only the beginning. We must continue until everyone is home."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received real-time updates from IDF Coordinator Brigadier General (Res.) Gal Hirsch, described the moment as deeply emotional. "These three women have endured unimaginable darkness," Netanyahu said on the call with Hirsch. "Today, they step into the light, free at last, thanks to the heroic sacrifices of our soldiers. We will not stop until every last hostage is returned."
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Efrat Lachter
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his White House return, a long-awaited Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal is unfolding — offering hope to hostage families, despite some acknowledging it as a "deal with the devil."
"Before President Trump was elected, it [the deal] was stuck," Ronen Neutra, whose son Omer was killed by Hamas terrorists, told Fox News on Sunday.
"Let's face it, the fact that President Trump had a clear message, 'By my inauguration, I want to see hostages coming out, or else there will be hell to pay,’ made a huge impact in the Middle East, and we are hopeful that with his leadership, we're going to see all 98 hostages coming out starting today with the three female hostages."
"We know their family, and we are so emotionally involved in this as well and thrilled to see them coming out," he said.
Trump promised "all hell to pay" if remaining Hamas captives were not released by his inauguration date in a Truth Social post last year. The message offered a glimmer of hope to some captives' families, including one who called the message "exactly the type of language we were missing."
Ronen and his wife Orna's son Omer, an IDF tank platoon commander and American from Long Island, New York, who had long been thought to be one of Hamas' captives, was recently determined to have been murdered by the terror group on Oct. 7, 2023.
His parents, who have remained outspoken about their demands for hostages to be returned safely, plan to attend Trump's inauguration in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Taylor Penley
Trucks from the United Nations World Food Program crossed into Gaza on Sunday after Hamas released three hostages as part of a cease-fire agreement with Israel.
The food trucks contain parcels of ready-to-eat meals, wheat flour, commodities for hot meals, and nutrition supplements, the WFH said. Little aid had been able to cross into Gaza prior to the cease-fire as humanitarian groups deemed trips too dangerous in many areas.
“This is a critical first step, but the needs in Gaza are immense; two million people have been in urgent need of food and other basics for far too long,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “After 15 months of war, we need all border crossings to stay open and function efficiently, effectively and reliably. And we need humanitarian teams to be able to move freely and safely across Gaza to reach those in need.”
News that Israel and Hamas have finally signed a deal was met with an international sigh of relief on Friday as it could mean the return of all remaining hostages who have long been held in unconscionable conditions, as well as bring an end to the brutal 15-month campaign in Gaza.
The first 42-day phase of the ceasefire and hostage-exchange agreement began on Sunday, when three of the 33 hostages slated to be released will be returned to Israel.
The exchange of the remaining 65 hostages, both dead and alive, will be negotiated on the 16th day of the cease-fire. However, the return of those hostages will not begin until the 43rd day of the deal, marking the second phase of the cease-fire.
But the family members of hostages still in Gaza have yet to fully rejoice, and as many view the progression with cautious optimism, others believe the deal is not good enough.
"We are dealing with this deal [for] more than a year, and both sides tried to achieve the best deal for themselves," retired Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Major General Yaakov Amidror said in a discussion with reporters Thursday afternoon.
Amidror made clear there was no way to achieve a perfect solution, given the immense complexities and the need to balance the value of human life with that of achieving a strategic security aim.
"This is the deal. It's a bad one. But it's the only one through which we can get out 33 hostages," he said. "And I think that, morally, it should be done."
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Caitlin McFall
The Israeli Defense Forces on Sunday released video of Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari crossing into Israeli territory after being released from Hamas custody.
The three women had been held hostage for 471 days, and they were the first to be released to Israel as part of a cease-fire agreement with Hamas.
The IDF also released footage of the mothers of the three women watching their transfer into Israel.
Hamas has agreed to release 33 hostages over five weeks in phase one of the cease-fire agreement. Israel will in turn release 90 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel has confirmed that it received three hostages from Red Cross custody in the first exchange with Hamas since a cease-fire began on Sunday.
Israel says the three women appear to be in good health, but they will undergo medical examinations at a military base immediately upon their arrival. The women were in Hamas custody for 471 days.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog celebrated their return in a statement.
"Romi, Emily, and Doron – so beloved and missed – an entire nation rejoices at your return," Herzog said. "We send you and your families a huge embrace. This is a day of joy and comfort, and the beginning of a challenging journey of recovery and healing together."
"At this moment, our hearts are with all the anxious and grieving families whose loved ones have not yet returned. We will not rest or be silent until we bring back all our sisters and brothers from the hell of captivity in Gaza – the living to their families, and the fallen and murdered to be laid to rest in dignity," he added.
President Biden marked the beginning of Israel's cease-fire with Hamas on Sunday after three Israeli hostages were released.
Biden claimed credit for the cease-fire agreement, saying it was the same one he proposed in May of 2024.
"It now falls to the next administration to help implement this deal," Biden said, adding that he would not be taking questions.
The Israeli government welcomed home three hostages who had been held in Gaza by Hamas
"The Israeli government embraces the three returned hostages. Their families were informed by the appointed officials they joined our forces," the government said in a statement.
The Red Cross delivered the first batch of hostages out of Gaza and into Israeli custody on Sunday after the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas took effect.
Israel exchanged dozens of Palestinian prisoners for three female hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari. The three women are said to be in good health.
They are the first of 33 hostages set to be released over the first phase of the cease-fire, which is set to last five weeks. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release 90 Palestinian prisoners.
The Israeli government decided that the Israel Defense Force will remain in Gaza until the last hostage is freed, but they will move back to a security zone along the Gaza border that provides security for residents living there.
The plan is a new defense approach and is still being finalized under the IDF’s Southern Command.
Fox News' Brie Stimson contributed to this report
Israel advocate Hillel Fuld joined "Fox & Friends Weekend" to discuss Israel's deal to exchange hostages for Hamas terrorists on Sunday.
The cease-fire agreement went into effect Sunday morning and Israel is set to receive three hostages in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners.
Fuld's brother was killed in 2018 by one of the prisoners who is set to be released in the exchange.
Fuld said Israel will "have to deal with the consequences later," but emphasized that the priority right now is to bring hostages home.
Hamas has agreed to release three Israeli hostages Sunday as the cease-fire agreement with Israel takes effect.
The three women are the first of 33 hostages set to be released by Hamas.
Romi Gonen, 24 years old, lives in Kfar Vradim. She loves dancing, traveling, and enjoying life. Friends and family describe her as energetic, funny, family-oriented, and full of life. On Oct. 7th, she was kidnapped from the Nova Festival. Romi has four siblings and two loving parents, Meirav and Eitan.
Doron Steinbrecher, 31 years old, is from Kfar Gaza. Doron is a veterinary nurse who has cared for animals since childhood, when she helped at the school's petting zoo. She loves sports, especially running, and goes for early morning runs around the kibbutz every Saturday. Her family describes her as a devoted aunt who is especially loved by her nephews. Her parents are Roni and Simona, and she has one sister, Yamit and one brother, Dor.
Emily Damari, 28 years old, is a British citizen living in Kfar Aza. Her friends describe her as well-loved and popular, a friend to everyone. Emily enjoys barbecuing, karaoke nights, and loves hats. She is a central figure in the local Kfar Aza youth community and is always there for her friends. On Oct. 7th, she was kidnapped from her home in Kfar Aza along with her friends Gali and Ziv Berman, who remain in captivity, and Doron Steinbrecher.
Fox News' Yonat Friling contributed to this report.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir resigned Sunday after a cease-fire agreement with Hamas went into effect.
Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party also left Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government coalition.
"With us, a word is a word, we will not agree to a reckless deal. My friends in Otzma Yehudit and I submitted our resignation letters from the government and the coalition this morning," Ben-Gvir wrote on X, according to a translation.
Ben-Gvir sent a letter to Netanyahu explaining the decision, arguing the cease-fire was a "surrender-to-terror deal."
“We will not return to the government table without a complete victory against Hamas and the full realization of the war’s goals,” he wrote.
President-elect Trump hailed the start of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire agreement on Sunday, noting the planned release of three women who were taken hostage by Hamas on Oct. 7.
"Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first!" Trump wrote.
Trump's post refers to hostages Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Demari, 27, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Israel confirmed it received the names after a brief delay on Sunday. The hostages are expected to be released later in the day.
Israel will release some 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
After the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect Sunday morning at 11:15 am local time, three female hostages are the first expected to be released.
Israel’s Cabinet approved the deal early Saturday morning for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages captured after Hamas' unprovoked attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Phase One of the deal starts on Sunday with the release of the first three hostages and lasts 42 days.
During that time, a total of 33 hostages will be released, with children, women, female soldiers, people over 50, and sick or injured men being prioritized. More than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be sent back to Gaza as well.
Most of the Israeli hostages are believed to still be alive, but their identities won’t be revealed until closer to when they’re released.
Another four hostages will be released on day seven and three more will be released on day 14, with a priority given to women.
Three more hostages will also be released on day 28 and again on day 35.
Between days 35 and 42, hostages Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have both been held in Gaza since 2014 and 2015, will be released.
In the last week of phase one, 12 hostages will be released.
On the 16th day of Phase One, negotiations will begin for Phase Two, which is expected to include the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, including young men, soldiers, and fallen soldiers.
Phase Two will start on day 43 and last another 42 days.
The Israeli government decided that the Israel Defense Force will remain in Gaza until the last hostage is freed, but they will move back to a security zone along the Gaza border that provides security for residents living there.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Brie Stimson
Israel confirmed late Sunday morning a long-awaited cease-fire has gone into effect after a three-hour delay caused by Hamas not releasing the names of the three hostages it plans to release.
The agreement was set to go into effect Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time, but was delayed until 11:15 a.m. local time. Jerusalem is seven hours ahead of Eastern time.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security situation assessment over the delay in receiving the list of hostages who are expected to be released Sunday morning as part of a cease-fire agreement with Hamas, which eventually provided the names.
Hamas said a couple of hours after the agreement was scheduled to go into effect that it would be releasing hostages Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Demari, 27, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, on Sunday. Israel confirmed it has received the names. The hostages are expected to be released later Sunday.
Earlier, Netanyahu told the Israeli Defense Forces that the cease-fire would not begin until Israel had the list of hostages expected to be freed. Since Hamas had not given the names of the hostages by the time the cease-fire was set to start, the IDF continued to operate, as it was still striking inside Gaza. At least eight Gazans have been killed in IDF strikes since the cease-fire was set to begin, according to a Hamas-run agency.
"As of this morning, Hamas has not fulfilled its obligation, and contrary to the agreement, has not provided the State of Israel with the names of the returning female hostages up to this time. The ceasefire will not come into effect as long as Hamas does not fulfill its obligations," IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said earlier on Sunday.
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Landon Mion
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