The first three hostages have been handed over to the Israeli military, with British-Israeli Emily Damari among the group.
It marks the end of a harrowing 471 days in captivity for the 28-year-old, who was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza by Hamas on 7 October.
The families and loved ones of the hostages have welcomed the “exciting news” while crowds have gathered in Tel Aviv, as the ceasefire deal begins after a three-hour delay.
The Israeli military confirmed it had received the three hostages and they are being accompanied by IDF special forces and ISA forces on their return to Israeli territory, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment.
Ms Damari was among those abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, as well as Romi Gonen, 24, who was ambushed as she tried to escape from the Supernova Festival.
Veterinary nurse Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who was in her apartment in southern Israel when Hamas attacked is also set for release.
Meanwhile, Palestinians have taken to the streets of the besieged enclave to celebrate the truce, and have started to return to their homes, many of which have been reduced to rubble.
At least eight have been killed and 25 others injured, medics in Gaza have said, while the ceasefire was delayed.
Israel’s government ratified the truce with Hamas on Saturday morning, paving the way for an end to the war in the Palestinian territory after 15 months of devastating fighting that has left over 46,000 Gazans dead.
Hamas says Israeli ceasefire violations could endanger hostages
Hamas’ armed wing said the group would abide by a ceasefire agreement that came into force in Gaza on Sunday but that any possible Israeli violations would endanger the process and put the lives of hostages at risk.
In a video speech, al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida urged mediators to compel Israel to commit to the ceasefire deal.
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 16:30
Emily Damari’s lawyers share joy
In a statement posted on social media, Adam Wagner and Adam Rose, lawyers for the British hostage families, said: “We are delighted that our client, Emily Damari, has finally been released, after over 15 months of captivity by Hamas terrorists. We cannot wait to meet her.
“We are thankful to everyone who has played parts in campaigning for her release, including the British government who have provided support over the past 15 months.
“We request now that the family is allowed some peace and space.
“We continue to call for the speedy return of the other four hostages with strong British connections and for whom we act, Eli Sharabi, Yossi Sharabi (deceased), Oded Lifshitz and Avinatan Or, and of all of the other hostages.”
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 16:19
Palestinians in the West Bank gather for the expected release of 90 prisoners from Israel
Families and friends of some of the Palestinians prisoners set to be released from Israel in exchange for hostages in Gaza gathered in Ramallah as cars honked and people waved the Palestinian flag.
About 90 Palestinian prisoners from the West Bank and Jerusalem will be released Sunday after Hamas freed the three Israeli hostages. The Palestinians include 69 women.
Fadia Barghouti was arrested from Ramallah in April and spent three months in prison without being given a reason, she said. Tonight she hopes to see friends she had been detained with.
“I’m happy, because of the ceasefire people can live peacefully,” she said.
She said the war in Gaza is evidence that no one in the Middle East can live peacefully until Palestinians have their rights.
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 16:13
Watch | Israeli hostages’ tears of joy as they reunite with families after Hamas kidnap
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 16:08
Biden says ‘the guns in Gaza have gone silent’
US President Joe Biden has said “the guns in Gaza have gone silent” under a ceasefire deal he outlined in May.
Biden spoke during a visit to a church in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Speaking of the hostages that were being released under the ceasefire, Biden said he had just received a call saying the three were being released. Although he stressed that it was early and it wasn’t immediately clear whether they were out of Gaza, Biden said: “They appear to be in good health.”
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 16:05
Pictured | Relatives weep and celebrate as hostages returned
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 16:01
Breaking: First three hostages released into Israeli custody
Three Israeli hostages released from Gaza have been handed over to Israeli forces there in the first test of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The three hostages are Romi Gonen, 24, kidnapped from the Nova music festival, and Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners.
A gradual release of 33 captives over the next six weeks has been agreed on.
In exchange, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and Palestinians from Gaza who have been detained.
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 15:51
Watch live: Crowds gather in Tel Aviv as ceasefire sees hostages released after 470 days
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 15:50
Pictured | Hamas militants hand over hostages
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 15:44
Watch: Friends of Israeli-British hostage Emily Damari await news of her release from Hamas
Jabed Ahmed19 January 2025 15:41
