Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
Three Israeli hostages were released on Sunday from Hamas captivity in Gaza as part of the initial list of 33 hostages to be freed in the first phase of the ceasefire deal, which eventually came into effect between Israel and Hamas on Sunday.
The Israeli military said the Red Cross has told it the three Israeli hostages were transferred into its care and were on their way towards military and security forces in the Gaza Strip.
Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were taken to the war-ravaged enclave following Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 where a total of 251 Israelis were kidnapped and about 1,200 people killed. In response, Israel launched a devastating war on the Gaza Strip which has killed about 46,900 Palestinians and injured twice that number.
The Palestinian Commission of Detainees' Affairs, the Palestinian Prisoners' Club and the Prisoners' Media Office on Sunday announced the names of the first 90 detainees to be released in the first phase of the exchange, which includes females and minors.
Hamas said it was waiting for Israel to reveal a list of 90 Palestinians set to be freed from Israeli prisons on Sunday. “The occupation is expected to hand over shortly a list containing the names of 90 prisoners from the categories of women and children who are set to be released on the first day of the ceasefire,” the group said.
During a 42-day first phase of the ceasefire, Palestinian militants are due to free dozens of hostages, starting with the three women. The Israeli military believes another 34 dead captives are still in Gaza.
About 2,000 Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons are also set to be released as part of the agreement that came following more than one year of relentless negotiations.
Ahead of their release, the UK said it welcomed the decision to free Ms Damari who is dual British citizen. “The UK government welcomes the reports that British national Emily Damari is on the list of hostages to be released by Hamas today. We stand ready to support her upon her release,” the UK Foreign Office said.
A short-lived truce in November 2023 featured the release of 105 Israeli hostages, including Thai workers, in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
