Hamas Releases Three Women Hostages After 471 Days

Following the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas handed over three Israeli women, who had been taken hostage 471 days ago, to the International Red Cross on Sunday, January 30. The Red Cross then transferred the three women, named 'Romi Gonen', 'Emily Damari', and 'Doron Stein Bercher', to the Israeli army at the 'Netzarim' corridor. The establishment of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was met with joy and celebration by some residents of Gaza and Hamas members in the streets of the Palestinian enclave. Hamas police, who had been hiding among civilians in recent months, were deployed in blue uniforms in some areas of Gaza on Sunday. A Hamas member told Reuters that this is a 'complete and comprehensive' ceasefire, expressing hope that war would not resume. However, Hamas leaders have repeatedly stated in recent months that they would carry out the October 7 terrorist attack again if possible. Israel announced that the Gaza ceasefire would take effect on Sunday at 9:15 GMT after confirming receipt of a list of hostages to be released. The Prime Minister's office stated: 'According to the hostage release plan, the first phase of the ceasefire will be implemented from 11:15 (local time).' Initially, the ceasefire was supposed to start at 6:30 GMT. Hamas's delay in providing the names of the hostages to be released caused the implementation of this agreement to be suspended. This several-hour delay by Hamas in providing the required list led to a postponement of the ceasefire, and following this delay and the Prime Minister's order, the Israeli army announced that Hamas was not adhering to the ceasefire agreement and military operations in Gaza would continue. The conflict between the Israeli army and the Palestinian group Hamas, supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, began with the group's terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, during which more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and over 250 others, including women, children, and the elderly, were taken hostage. With Israel's announcement, the ceasefire was implemented with a several-hour delay. The names of the three women hostages released by Hamas today were provided. Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire would not begin until the list of hostages was announced by Hamas. Netanyahu reiterated the commitment to destroy Hamas and return all hostages, stating, 'We will not stop until the last hostage returns.'