Sun Jan 19 16:31:28 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Ceasefire: First Captives Released in Three-Phase Deal
**GAZA CITY/JERUSALEM** – A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has begun, marking a potential turning point in the 15-month conflict. The first phase of the three-stage agreement saw the release of three Israeli women held captive by Hamas, in exchange for the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
The three Israeli women, identified as Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28), and Doron Steinbrecher (31), were handed over to the International Red Cross in Gaza City Sunday evening and are now safely in Israel. Their release was met with celebrations in Israel, where they are expected to undergo medical and psychological evaluations.
Simultaneously, the Red Cross verified the identities of the 90 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and children, being released from Ofer Prison. Among them is Khalida Jarrar, a prominent leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Many of the released Palestinians were serving administrative detention, a practice criticized by human rights groups.
The 42-day first phase of the agreement also includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza and the increased flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. Hamas has pledged commitment to the agreement, but stressed that continued cooperation depends on reciprocal actions from Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the release of the captives and the ceasefire, reiterated his commitment to achieving Israel’s war aims, including the defeat of Hamas and the release of all remaining hostages. However, some far-right members of his government resigned in protest of the deal.
The ceasefire has been welcomed by the international community, including outgoing US President Joe Biden, who noted the silencing of guns in Gaza. Thousands of Palestinians celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza, marking a moment of hope amidst the devastation caused by more than a year of intense fighting that has claimed at least 46,913 Palestinian lives.
The agreement’s success hinges on the implementation of its subsequent phases, with the release of hundreds more hostages still under negotiation. The long-term implications of the ceasefire remain uncertain, but the release of the first captives provides a cautiously optimistic sign. Further details about the remaining captives and the subsequent stages of the agreement are expected in the coming weeks.
First Piper 