Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Takes Effect, Initiating Hostage and Prisoner Exchange
Three Israeli women hostages were freed by Hamas on Sunday

Hamas has returned 3 Israeli hostages and Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners on Day 1 of the Gaza Ceasefire Agreement.
The ongoing hostage and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas has entered a critical phase following the establishment of a ceasefire. This truce allows for significant movements on both sides, including the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
“The release of the second batch of Israeli prisoners (hostages) will take place on the evening of next Saturday, the seventh day from the start of the ceasefire agreement,” the official said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly about the matter.
The first group of three Israeli hostages was released on January 19, 2025. They are reported to be in stable condition and receiving care in Israel.
Over the course of the first phase, a total of 33 hostages will be freed. This group includes women, children, and elderly individuals.
In exchange for the hostages, Israel is set to release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors.
The Israeli military in a statement said that the three women hostages freed by Hamas on Sunday as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal were reunited with their mothers inside Israel.
“The three returnees have just arrived at the initial reception point in the Gaza envelope area, and they are now meeting with their mothers,” said the military, which shared an image of released hostage Emily Damari alongside her mother smiling and waving with a heavily bandaged hand.
“Emily, Doron and Romi are now in safe hands”, says Daniel Hagari in a press briefing.
He added that the three women have been “reunited” with the Israeli military and domestic security Shin Bet, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
“They are now with us and on their way home,” he said.

Basil Farraj, a researcher from Birzeit University, attended the handover of Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison and the joyous reunions with family members early this morning.
“We have seen prisoners coming out of the busses in bad health with pale conditions and looking very weak. I think that attests to the conditions the Israelis have long been holding Palestinians in,” Farraj told Al Jazeera.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza are allowed to return to their homes. Many have begun assessing damage from the recent conflict, which has left a significant portion of infrastructure destroyed.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached critical levels due to ongoing conflict and blockades. The ceasefire allows for increased humanitarian aid access, with plans to deliver up to 600 trucks daily into the region. This influx is crucial for addressing the dire needs of over 2 million Palestinians who have suffered extensive hardships during the prolonged conflict
On January 19, 2025, a long-anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially commenced, bringing a temporary halt to a devastating 15-month conflict in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, which took effect at 11:15 AM local time, follows intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt.