Three women held hostage by Hamas have been reunited with their mothers inside Israel, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
According to Reuters, the release follows a fragile truce agreement after 15 months of devastating warfare.
Scenes of Relief Amid Ruins
In Gaza, the streets of Khan Younis filled with cheers as armed Hamas fighters paraded through the city. Yet, the joy was tempered by the overwhelming devastation left by the war, particularly in northern Gaza, where rubble and twisted metal dominate the landscape. "I feel like I’ve found water after being lost in the desert for 15 months," said Aya, a displaced woman sheltering in central Gaza. "I feel alive again."
Moments of Reunion
In Tel Aviv, hundreds gathered outside Israel’s defense headquarters to witness the live broadcast of the hostage release. Cheers erupted as the hostages—Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari—were seen boarding a Red Cross vehicle. The three women were soon reunited with their families near the site of their abduction during Hamas’s October 2023 raid on an Israeli kibbutz and music festival.
Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire Details
The truce includes the release of 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, including 69 women and 21 teenage boys. Early Sunday, buses transported Palestinian prisoners to the West Bank town of Beitunia, greeted by emotional celebrations from waiting crowds.
However, the ceasefire began with tension. A three-hour delay prompted Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed 13 people. Israel attributed the strikes to Hamas's failure to provide the promised list of hostages. Hamas cited technical issues for the delay.
Global Reactions
U.S. President Joe Biden, on his final day in office, welcomed the truce, calling it a significant step after over a year of diplomatic struggles. "This agreement reflects the pressure Israel built on Hamas with U.S. support," Biden said.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer celebrated the release, particularly of British citizen Emily Damari, while urging continued efforts for the remaining hostages. "We must not forget those still in captivity," he emphasized, advocating for sustained humanitarian aid and a long-term resolution.
The United Nations echoed these sentiments. "The ceasefire brings immense relief to over one million women and girls who have endured unrelenting bombardment in Gaza," read a statement by UN Women, describing the truce as a crucial step toward stability.
Hope for Lasting Peace
As Hamas fighters reemerge in Gaza and residents cautiously celebrate, the ceasefire offers a brief respite from a conflict that has claimed countless lives and uprooted communities. Whether this agreement paves the way for a durable peace remains uncertain, but for now, families on both sides are finding moments of solace in long-awaited reunions.
