<p>Three <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/israel">Israeli</a> hostages were released and taken under the custody of Israel's security forces on Sunday as the much awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect.</p><p>The three hostages, identified as Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbercher, 31 were each given a 'gift bag' before they were handed over to the International Red Cross. </p><p>Hamas released a video showing the three women being given paper bags, which is said to contain mementos from when they were held in Gaza. The women are seen smiling while holding up gold-gilded certificates. </p><p>The bags had the logo of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. It also reportedly contained photos taken during their captivity, a photo of Gaza and a 'certificate.' The certificate was titled 'Release Agreement' in both Hebrew and Arabic and was signed by Red Cross personnel during the handover.</p>.Hamas says next hostages will be released on Saturday as scheduled.<p>The move sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning it as ‘cruel’ and ‘disturbing’, while others praised it. <em>The New Arab</em> <a href="https://www.newarab.com/news/what-was-hamas-gift-bags-given-freed-israeli-women" rel="nofollow">noted</a> that some social media users contrasted the gesture and the generally healthy and happy demeanor of the Israeli hostages, with the condition of Palestinian detainees released by Israel, many of whom showed signs of neglect and potential mistreatment.</p><p>The Israeli military shared an emotional moment as Romi’s father broke down in tears upon witnessing his daughter’s release. While Emily was seen reuniting with her mother. </p>.<p>According to a<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/israeli-hostages-released-by-hamas-under-truce-december-2024-125012000749_1.html" rel="nofollow"> report</a> by <em>Business Standard</em>, Doron Steinbrecher’s family issued a statement, “Our heroic Dodo, who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, begins her rehabilitation journey today.”</p><p>Hamas is set to release the more than 90 hostages over the coming weeks as part of a complex ceasefire deal reached with Israel this month that could end the 15-month war in Gaza.</p><p>Hamas said on Monday it would next release hostages held in Gaza on Saturday, after an official with the Palestinian militant group had said they would be released a day later than expected.</p>
<p>Three <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/israel">Israeli</a> hostages were released and taken under the custody of Israel's security forces on Sunday as the much awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect.</p><p>The three hostages, identified as Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbercher, 31 were each given a 'gift bag' before they were handed over to the International Red Cross. </p><p>Hamas released a video showing the three women being given paper bags, which is said to contain mementos from when they were held in Gaza. The women are seen smiling while holding up gold-gilded certificates. </p><p>The bags had the logo of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. It also reportedly contained photos taken during their captivity, a photo of Gaza and a 'certificate.' The certificate was titled 'Release Agreement' in both Hebrew and Arabic and was signed by Red Cross personnel during the handover.</p>.Hamas says next hostages will be released on Saturday as scheduled.<p>The move sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning it as ‘cruel’ and ‘disturbing’, while others praised it. <em>The New Arab</em> <a href="https://www.newarab.com/news/what-was-hamas-gift-bags-given-freed-israeli-women" rel="nofollow">noted</a> that some social media users contrasted the gesture and the generally healthy and happy demeanor of the Israeli hostages, with the condition of Palestinian detainees released by Israel, many of whom showed signs of neglect and potential mistreatment.</p><p>The Israeli military shared an emotional moment as Romi’s father broke down in tears upon witnessing his daughter’s release. While Emily was seen reuniting with her mother. </p>.<p>According to a<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/israeli-hostages-released-by-hamas-under-truce-december-2024-125012000749_1.html" rel="nofollow"> report</a> by <em>Business Standard</em>, Doron Steinbrecher’s family issued a statement, “Our heroic Dodo, who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, begins her rehabilitation journey today.”</p><p>Hamas is set to release the more than 90 hostages over the coming weeks as part of a complex ceasefire deal reached with Israel this month that could end the 15-month war in Gaza.</p><p>Hamas said on Monday it would next release hostages held in Gaza on Saturday, after an official with the Palestinian militant group had said they would be released a day later than expected.</p>
