Hamas releases 3 Israeli female hostages in first phase of ceasefire deal

Israel eventually received the names of the hostages from Hamas after an initial delay, putting the agreement in motion

Published: January 19, 2025 9:19am

Updated: January 19, 2025 10:51am

Hamas released 3 female Israeli hostages on Sunday as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel.

Their names are Romy Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, according to Israeli media. 

Early Sunday, Israel had said Hamas missed the initial deadline to deliver the names of the first hostages to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. 

According to the BBC, the Israeli military struck "terror targets" in Gaza after the initial deadline passed, which resulted in the death of 19 Palestinians. 

The ceasefire began at 11:15am when Israel received the hostages' names from Hamas, who blamed technical issues for the roughly three-hour delay. 

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