Hamas gives ‘gift bags’ to three Israeli hostages
Last Updated on January 21, 2025 5:49 am
Hamas has released three Israeli female hostages on the first day under a ceasefire agreement. The Palestinian independence group handed over the three hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza on Sunday (January 19).
According to an NDTV report on Monday, citing Israeli media, the ‘gift bags’ given to the hostages contained photos of them during their captivity, photos of Gaza and a ‘letter of appreciation’.
A video image shows the three hostages smiling while holding the gift bags. Discussions and criticism are ongoing on social media for and against the incident. Some have condemned the incident, calling it Hamas’s ‘brutality’. However, Hamas supporters have expressed joy over the incident.
A 42-day ceasefire in Gaza began on Sunday, mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt. Hamas has released three Israeli female hostages under a ceasefire agreement. In exchange, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners.
The three Israeli hostages who were released are Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31. Tears of joy were seen on their faces after their release. Thousands of Israelis lined the streets to welcome them. Israeli authorities said they would remain in hospital for a few days.
“After 471 days, Emily has finally returned home,” Emily’s mother told AFP. “But many families are still waiting for their loved ones.”
“Our hero Dodo, who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, has returned to us today,” Steinbrecher’s family said in a statement.
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