Chicago – January 19, 2025
Israeli officials confirmed that Hamas released three female captives as part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The captives—Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31—were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City and are now safely in Israel. Crowds gathered in as-Saraya Square as the exchange took place.
The ceasefire deal, implemented in phases, aims to ease the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The first phase, lasting 42 days, includes Israel pulling out of some areas and increasing aid deliveries to the region. Meanwhile, Red Cross officials are verifying the identities of 90 Palestinian prisoners ahead of their release from Israel’s Ofer Prison.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida stated the group is committed to the agreement but emphasized that further steps rely on Israel’s actions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his goal to defeat Hamas and release all captives, even as some far-right politicians protested the deal.
World leaders, including outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, welcomed the truce. Thousands in Gaza celebrated the ceasefire, hoping it marks the end of over 15 months of deadly attacks that killed more than 46,000 Palestinians and left thousands missing.
