Hamas Releases First Three Israeli Hostages As Gaza Ceasefire Takes Effect

The first three Israeli hostages were transferred to the Red Cross on Sunday, marking the start of the long-awaited Gaza truce, according to a Hamas official and the Israeli military. The hostages, all women, were handed over in Gaza City before being sent back to Israel.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect in the morning, albeit nearly three hours later than initially planned, following over 15 months of conflict.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

Despite the delay, Israel's military continued operations, with Gaza's civil defence agency reporting 19 deaths and 25 injuries from airstrikes, reported AFP.

Shortly after the truce began, the United Nations confirmed that the first trucks carrying vital humanitarian aid entered Gaza. Thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to their devastated homes, carrying tents, clothes, and personal belongings. In the northern city of Jabalia, many returned to find their homes reduced to rubble, while residents in Rafah were shocked by the widespread destruction.

Northern Gaza, especially, has suffered extensive damage, and aid workers report a severe shortage of essential supplies such as food, water, and shelter. Jonathan Whittall, interim chief of the UN's OCHA for Palestinian territories, noted that the first aid trucks had entered after "a massive effort" to prepare for the distribution across the region.

The delay in the ceasefire was reportedly due to a dispute over the hostages' release. Qatar, which mediated the truce, later confirmed the agreement was in effect. The three women released on Sunday were identified as Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher. The Israeli military confirmed the transfer of the hostages to the Red Cross.

The deal stipulates the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including those taken during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinians in Israeli custody. While this is intended to lead to a permanent ceasefire, the second phase of the agreement is still being finalised. The truce follows months of negotiations led by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt.

In Israel, reactions to the ceasefire were mixed. Some expressed cautious optimism, while others remained wary due to past broken truces. Reception centres have been prepared for the freed hostages, with medical care and counselling available to address the psychological toll of their captivity.

Meanwhile, Egypt announced that 600 trucks a day would deliver aid to Gaza under the ceasefire agreement. The war's previous truce in November 2023 saw the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The conflict, sparked by Hamas's attack on Israel, has caused massive casualties on both sides, with over 1,200 Israeli deaths and nearly 47,000 Palestinian fatalities. The truce came just before Donald Trump's inauguration for his second term as US president.

Trump, who took credit for the ceasefire, told NBC that he had urged Netanyahu to end the war while ensuring necessary actions were taken. The deal also involves Israeli forces withdrawing from densely populated Gaza areas and allowing displaced Palestinians to return home.