Official announcements from the Israel Defense Forces or credible news sources such as BBC or Reuters

Hamas Releases Three Israeli Women, Including British-Israeli, After 471 Days in Captivity

Jan 19, 2025, 03:40 PM

Hamas has released three Israeli female hostages—Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28), and Doron Steinbrecher (31)—after 471 days in captivity. Damari is a British-Israeli dual citizen. The women were kidnapped on October 7, 2023, during a Hamas attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 people being abducted. The hostages were transferred to the Red Cross and then handed over to the Israel Defense Forces at the Netzarim crossing. An IDF helicopter was deployed for their transfer. The mothers of the hostages are awaiting their arrival at the Re'im reception center. The release is part of a ceasefire agreement, with 90 Palestinian prisoners also being released. Despite the release of these hostages, 94 Israelis remain captive in Gaza.