The first three Israeli hostages were released on Sunday by the Hamas terrorist organization following last week’s ceasefire agreement that came amid President-elect Donald Trump’s threat that there would be “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas did not release the hostages prior to his inauguration.
Fox News reported that Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari were released to the Israeli Defense Forces on Sunday after being held captive by Hamas terrorists for 471 days following the terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.
The outlet noted that the three female hostages were transported to Israeli Defense Forces in Red Cross vehicles as part of the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas.
According to Fox News, during a call with Israeli Defense Forces Coordinator Brigadier General (Res.) Gal Hirsch, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “These three women have endured unimaginable darkness. Today, they step into the light, free at last, thanks to the heroic sacrifices of our soldiers. We will not stop until every last hostage is returned.”
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Netanyahu shared pictures of the three hostages who were released on Sunday and promised that Israel “will bring everyone home.”
In a statement obtained by Fox News, Mandy Damari said, “After 471 days Emily is finally home. I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name. In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home. While Emily’s nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues. Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home.”
Steinbrecher’s family also released a statement celebrating the release of Doron Steinbrecher and thanking Trump for his involvement in the return of the Israeli hostages.
“We are especially grateful to President Trump for his significant involvement and support, which meant so much to us,” the family said. “Our heroic Dodo begins her rehabilitation journey today. We remain committed to standing with all families until their loved ones come home.”
A video shared on X shows the Israeli hostages reuniting with their family members. The families can be seen expressing a range of emotions after being reunited with their loved ones who were held captive by Hamas for 471 days.
A picture shared by broadcaster Piers Morgan shows the moment each of the hostages was reunited with their family members.