Families have been waiting for a very long time – 471 days to be precise. Hamas has now released three hostages that were taken during the brutal attack on October 7, 2023. Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement that went into effect on Sunday morning.
Israel Defense Forces posted the first pictures of the released hostages on X. The hostages are seen leaving a Red Cross vehicle in a drop-off area surrounded by Israeli soldiers.
The names of those now freed hostages are Doron Steinbrecher Romi Gonen and Emily Damari.
Emily Damari appeared in pictures on social media reunited with her mother during a video chat.
Damari and her mother met at an IDF base near the Gaza Border, according to the Times of Israel.
According to her family, Damari lost two fingers in the attack. She was injured during a shooting that occurred on October 7, 2023.
Her mother thanked everyone who made it possible:
In a press release, Emily’s mother Mandy Damari stated that “after 471 days Emily is home”.
“We want to thank everyone who has fought for Emily in this difficult time. Thank you to everyone who called out her name in Israel, England, America, and everywhere else. Emily is home thanks to all of you.”
“Emily’s nightmare in Gaza has ended, but too many families are still suffering in agony. We must all work together to free every abductee, even the last. All those still held captive need immediate humanitarian aid.”
We ask that the media respect Emily’s privacy and the privacy of our family during this time.
The first three hostages to be freed during the Phase 1 deal are shown below.
Although this is a good thing, and we are happy for the families that have received their loved ones home, many others remain in the hands of the terrorist group in an unknown condition. Hamas’ brutality seems to know no limits, and October 7 will forever be a day of darkness for humanity. We continue to pray for the people still in captivity and we hope that you will hear more good news soon.
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