Ceasefire holds as Israel, Hamas agree on hostage exchange
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in effect since 3:15 AM Eastern Time, according to the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This development follows Hamas providing the names of the hostages who will be released in the afternoon.
In a statement, Palestinian Hamas announced that three civilian women—Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher—will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.
Romi Gonen, 24, was kidnapped during the massacre carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, at the Nova Music festival near the border of Israel and the Gaza Strip.
Emily Damari, 28, who also holds British citizenship, was kidnapped in the morning of October 7 from her apartment, which was stormed by Hamas terrorists.
Doron Steinbrecher, 32, is a veterinary doctor and, like Damari, lived in the Kfar Aza kibbutz. Fighters abducted her from her apartment.
