Ceasefire breakthrough: Israel frees 90 prisoners, Hamas releases 3 hostages
The three released Israeli hostages, who had been abducted during the October 7, 2023 attacks by Palestinian militants, exit a van before boarding an Israeli Air Force military transport helicopter near Reim in southern Israel on January 19, 2025 after a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal in the war between Israel and Hamas was implemented. The first three Israeli hostages were released on January 19 under a long-awaited Gaza truce aimed at ending more than 15 months of war that has ravaged the Palestinian territory. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum campaign group had identified the three women set to be released as Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP) (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images)
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas cleared its first hurdle with significant prisoner and hostage exchanges. Hamas freed three Israeli hostages on Sunday, while Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners. This marked the start of a fragile truce aimed at ending the 15-month conflict in Gaza.
The truce began Sunday after delays over Israel’s demand for a list of hostages. Under the agreement, further exchanges are planned, with Hamas set to release 33 hostages and Israel expected to free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in phases. The ceasefire is scheduled to last 42 days, but its longevity remains uncertain.
Hamas released Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher in a tense handover to the Red Cross in Gaza City. Crowds, including armed militants, surrounded the scene. The women later reunited with their families in Israel. Damari, who lost fingers during the October 7 Hamas attack, raised her bandaged hand in triumph upon her return.
Israel released the first group of Palestinian prisoners, sparking celebrations in the West Bank. Among them was Khalida Jarrar, a 62-year-old linked to leftist militant activities. Israeli officials cautioned against public displays of joy amid rising tensions.
The ceasefire follows devastating violence. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and abducting 250 others. Israel responded with intense military operations, killing over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Women and children account for more than half the casualties. The conflict displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, leaving large areas in ruins.
As Israel reduced its military presence, humanitarian organizations stepped in to deliver aid. Over 630 trucks carrying essential supplies entered Gaza on Sunday, focusing on the heavily destroyed northern region.
Negotiations for a more challenging second phase begin in two weeks. Both sides remain cautious about whether violence will resume after the initial truce. If the ceasefire holds, rebuilding Gaza will take years, with immense challenges for its displaced population.
