Israel Returns First Hostages from Hamas Terrorists: Three Women, Including British and Romanian Nationals

In the first hostage release, three women returned to Israel after 471 days of detention by Hamas terrorists. Another 94 Israeli hostages are still in Gaza. In exchange, Israel is releasing 90 Palestinian prisoners, The Times of Israel reports.

Among the released women are British and Romanian citizens, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on social media site X.

‘The release of the three hostages today is excellent and long-awaited news after months of agony for them and their families. Among them is British citizen Emily Damary,’ he wrote.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis noted that there is also a Romanian woman among the released hostages.

‘Romania welcomes the release of the first group of hostages, including one Romanian citizen and one of Romanian origin, in accordance with the agreement,’ he wrote.

For his part, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the return of the first three hostages to Israel from Hamas captivity was ‘an incredibly moving day’.

‘This moment has been achieved thanks to the sacrifice and bravery of our heroic soldiers... this is a great moment, an emotional moment. A great day,’ Netanyahu said.

He added that the three civilian women are ‘the first hostages we are bringing home in this round.’

The civilians are Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Gonen was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from the Supernova music festival, while Damari and Steinbrecher were taken from their homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. On Sunday, Hamas terrorists handed them over to the Red Cross during the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire agreement.