Hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher returned to Israeli territory on Sunday evening escorted by Israeli forces, 471 days after being abducted to Gaza. They were handed over to elite IDF units by the Red Cross shortly earlier. Ynetnews and ILTV are provid live coverage of the process.
At 5:07 p.m., the hostages were first seen exiting a Red Cross vehicle, walking on their own in central Gaza. The Red Cross reported that the three were in good condition. Around 5:38 p.m., it was confirmed that the three hostages, smiling, had been handed over by the Red Cross to IDF special forces in Gaza. By 5:53 p.m., the hostages were officially confirmed to have arrived in Israeli territory.
The moment that the released hostages crossed into Israeli territory
(Video: IDF)
The hostages transferred to the Red Cross
According to official statements, the hostages have arrived at an initial reception point in southern Israel where they reunited with their mothers as part of their reintegration process. They are expected to be airlifted to Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv for further care.
IDF representatives are stationed at the hospital where the hostages will be transferred, providing updates to their families and offering support during this critical stage.
This marks the conclusion of a harrowing 471-day ordeal for the three women, who were held captive in Gaza following their abduction during the October 7 Hamas attack.
With the cease-fire firmly in place, the highly anticipated hostage release and the corresponding release of Palestinian prisoners, including convicted murderers, was set to begin at 4 p.m.
Ynetnews, ILTV live broadcast of hostage release
The mothers of the three hostages watching their daughters return home
(Video: IDF)
5 View gallery
Excitement at the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv as the hostages are handed over to the Red Cross
(Photo: Dana Kopel)
The cease-fire officially went into effect several hours late Sunday at 11:15 a.m., after delays caused by Hamas failing to deliver the list of the first three hostages scheduled for release. Later, the names Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were confirmed as the first hostages to be freed. These women are among the 33 hostages slated for release during the initial phase of the deal, ending their 471-day captivity by Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement after security forces confirmed the three were transferred to Israeli custody. “The government of Israel embraces the three returning hostages. Their families have been updated that they are now with our forces,” the statement said.
The government reiterated its commitment to bringing back all hostages and missing persons, adding that officials and security agencies will support the women and their families through the process. “Blessed are You, Lord, who frees the captives,” the statement concluded.
The Red Cross prepares for the release of the hostages
The IDF expressed relief and resolve following the release of the three hostages. “These are very emotional moments,” said IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari in a televised statement. He acknowledged the significance of the reunion for the families while emphasizing the ongoing plight of those still in captivity.
“Alongside the pain, we need to allow the families to reunite with their loved ones. Our hearts are with the hostages still held in inhumane conditions in Gaza."
Following the release of the three women, Israel will release 90 Palestinian prisoners and transfer them to the West Bank or East Jerusalem.
IDF soldiers cheering for the hostages in Red Cross vehicles
According to a Reuters report around 3:30 p.m. local time, Red Cross vehicles seen were en route to collect the hostages from Hamas. The handover began shortly after 5 p.m., sparking hope and cautious optimism, especially in the women's hometowns.
At a joint IDF and Shin Bet forward command center, officials are monitoring developments and coordinating with the Red Cross. Footage from Gaza showed crowds surrounding Red Cross vehicles before they departed for the designated meeting point. At this location, Hamas is expected to provide information about the hostages' whereabouts before they are handed over to Red Cross representatives.
5 View gallery
Hamas terrorists surrounding Red Cross vehicles before departing for designated meeting point
Video footage released by Al Jazeera shows numerous Hamas terrorists deployed around the area, signaling heightened security measures in preparation for the transfer. Al Jazeera reported that the three women would be handed over at Saraya Square in central Gaza City.
<< Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv >>
Romi Gonen was on the phone with her mother on the morning of October 7, 2023, until she reported being shot at 10:15 a.m. In a chilling call recording, her mother reassured her: "Romi, I am with you, my love. Everything will be OK." The call ended abruptly as terrorists were heard speaking in Arabic.
Emily Damari, a British citizen, was abducted from her home in Kfar Aza during the massacre. She and her neighbor Gali Berman, who had hidden in a safe room with others, managed to send a selfie before being taken.
5 View gallery
In an Air Force helicopter that will transport the hostages back to Israel
(Photo: IDF)
Doron Steinbrecher was also taken from Kfar Aza. She had last spoken with her sister Amit in the early hours of October 7, saying she felt safe after blocking her door with an armchair. By 11 a.m., she sent a final recorded message saying she had been captured. Hamas later released a video showing her after 107 days, offering the first sign she was alive.
The IDF has established three reception centers near the Gaza border in Kerem Shalom, Re’im and Zikim to process the returning hostages. Medical personnel and representatives from the Health Ministry, Shin Bet and police are stationed at these sites. The military estimates it will take two hours for initial medical examinations before the hostages are transported to hospitals.
As the cease-fire took effect, the IDF repositioned its forces along new defense lines in Gaza’s Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors. Troops remain on high alert, prepared to respond to any cease-fire violations by Hamas.
In the West Bank, additional security measures have been implemented ahead of the prisoner release. Although no new public safety instructions have been issued, the IDF has bolstered aerial defenses and remains vigilant for potential rocket fire leading up to or during the cease-fire.