Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Jan 20: Three Israeli women, who were held captive by Hamas for over 470 days, were released and arrived in Israel on Sunday, marking the first day of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The women Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli; Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse; and Romi Gonen, 23, who was abducted from the Nova music festival were freed after spending more than a year in captivity.

These three women are the first to be released under a broader deal that includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages. Hamas is expected to release a few hostages every week in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian detainees.

Israeli military officials reported that the three women were handed over to Israeli forces via the Red Cross in Gaza, and were immediately taken to a medical reception point in southern Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the event as an emotional moment, stating that the three "went through hell." Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Daniel Hagari, emphasized the significance of the hostages' return and affirmed the IDF's readiness for any potential breaches of the ceasefire.

This release comes amid a fragile six-week ceasefire, marking a rare pause in the intense fighting that has ravaged Gaza and resulted in significant loss of life on both sides. Hamas, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire, with spokesperson Abu Ubaida declaring it contingent on Israel's adherence to the agreement.