After hours of worrying about whether the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and thus the release of the first three hostages will succeed on Sunday, it is clear who will be freed from captivity by the terrorist militia. They are Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, who were kidnapped during the major attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The ceasefire was due to come into effect at 7:20 am (CET). However, because the terrorist militia had not sent a list in advance of the hostages who would be released as agreed, the deal was in danger of collapsing. Israel said it would continue attacks in the Gaza Strip. It was not until almost three hours later that the ceasefire officially began. Hamas explained the delay in sending the list due to “technical reasons.”
First step in the first phase of the agreement
The first three hostages are expected to be released from Hamas control on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. This implements the first phase of the deal; Another 30 kidnapped people are expected to return to their home countries in the next six weeks.
Women kidnapped from festivals and apartments
The first hostages to embrace their loved ones again after 470 days of captivity in the Gaza Strip are three young women: 24-year-old Romi Gonen was kidnapped during the October 7 Nova Festival massacre. Veterinary assistant Doron Steinbrecher (31) was kidnapped from her apartment in kibbutz Kfar Azza. Emily Damari, 28, was kidnapped from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
1904 Palestinians are released
The terrorists still have 98 hostages under their control. During the six-week ceasefire, 33 of them are expected to be released. To achieve this, 1,904 Palestinians must be released from Israeli prisons and camps. They include 1,167 arrested residents of the Gaza Strip, who are said to have no connection with the major attack on October 7. The remaining Palestinians being released are prisoners held for minor crimes, such as throwing stones in the West Bank or crossing the border illegally.
Agreement also provides for reconstruction
The second phase of the agreement provides for a complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip from mid-March. In return, the remaining hostages must be released. The final phase, expected to last five years, will involve the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. Then the remains of killed hostages must also be returned to their home countries.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
