Meanwhile, Hamas released three female hostages captured 15 months ago, marking the initial phase of a deal aimed at easing tensions amid ongoing conflict.
First phase of ceasefire
The Times of Israel reports that the broader agreement envisions the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinians from Israeli prisons over the coming days. On Sunday, the initial group of 90 detainees—69 women and girls, along with eight underage boys—was released. Some media outlets, including Reuters, indicated that 21 teenage boys were freed, while AFP described buses leaving Israel’s Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank after midnight local time.
Prisoners slated for release were temporarily transferred to Ofer Prison, where their identities were verified by Israeli authorities and Red Cross personnel before they were allowed to depart.
Three hostages freed
Earlier Sunday, Hamas freed three women taken captive during its surprise attack on Israel on 7 October 2023: Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher. They were transported to Israel and reunited with family members. Medical staff said the women were in stable condition.
A high-ranking Hamas official told AFP the next group of Israeli hostages would be released on Saturday, 25 January, though no specific number was given.
The conflict was reignited on 7 October 2023 when Hamas and allied Islamist factions staged a wide-scale attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people—including citizens of more than 30 countries—and the abduction of 251 individuals to Gaza. In response, Israel launched a major military operation in the Gaza Strip.
According to Palestinian authorities, more than 46,000 civilians have been killed and over 100,000 wounded during the Israeli offensive. The conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with a humanitarian crisis unfolding and most residents forced to flee their homes.
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Source: PAP, Reuters, AFP, France24