Official statement from Israeli government or credible news sources

Hamas to Release Three Israeli Hostages Today: Gonen, Damari, Steinbrecher

Jan 19, 2025, 09:24 AM

Hamas has announced it will release three female Israeli hostages today as part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. The hostages are Romi Gonen, 24, who was abducted from the Nova music festival; Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli citizen taken from her home in Kfar Aza; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, also taken from her home in Kfar Aza. Israel has confirmed receipt of the list of hostages to be freed after Hamas delayed providing the names, causing a delay in the implementation of the ceasefire. Families of the hostages have confirmed the news on social media. The release marks the beginning of an agreement that aims to secure the freedom of multiple hostages over several days.