Israel-Hamas ceasefire highlights: 3 Israeli hostages, 90 Palestinian prisoners freed on day 1

People gather at a square to watch broadcasts related to the expected release of three female hostages who have been held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, amid a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 19, 2025. (REUTERS/Shir Torem)

Israel-Hamas ceasefire day 1 highlights: In the first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group released first three Israeli hostages: Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher – all women. In exchange, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The ceasefire kicked in at 11:15 am Gaza time, nearly three hours after it was scheduled to come into effect.

Meanwhile, the 90 freed Palestinian prisoners were sent in two buses from an Israeli prison to the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia. Cheers and sounds of joy were heard in the region as Palestinians rejoiced the moment.

An hour before the deadline, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the ceasefire in Gaza would not begin unless Hamas provided his government with a list of hostages it would release under phase one of the agreement. Hamas said it remains committed to implementing phase one of the ceasefire deal and said the delay was due to “technical and field reasons”.

Israel's military, meanwhile, continued its attacks across Gaza, where eight people died and 25 were injured in a fresh assault. The Israeli Army spokesperson said the military “continues to attack Gaza” and is “fully ready” to respond if the terms of the deal are “broken” by Hamas. Earlier on Sunday, IDF forces began withdrawing from Gaza's Rafah to the Philadelphi corridor along the border between Egypt and Gaza.

The withdrawal is part of the three-phase ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to bring an end to the 15-month-long war that has killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians, according to data from the Gaza health ministry.

Israel's continued strikes on Gaza after the deal have reportedly killed more than 70 Palestinians, said the Gaza health ministry.

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Jan 20, 2025, 08:29:01 IST

Israel-Hamas ceasefire day 1 highlights: 3 Israeli women returned home after 471 days; 90 Palestinians got back to Gaza from prison

Day 1 of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into force nearly three hours after its scheduled time. The deal, nonetheless, was met.

Hamas first released three Israeli hostages, all women. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher returned to their families in Israel.

In exchange, Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, sending them to Gaza in two buses. They were seen arriving in the occupied West Bank town of Beitunia as their relatives cheered in joy.

The first phase of the truce deal will last for 42 days.