Ceasefire takes effect in Gaza, thousands of displaced people return home
New Delhi, Jan 19: With the Gaza ceasefire taking effect, Hamas released 3 Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Sunday.
The hostages were identified as 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher, 28-year-old dual British-Israeli citizen Emily Damari, and 24-year-old Romi Gonen.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the handover, stating, “The Red Cross has communicated that the three Israeli hostages were transferred to them.”
The hostages are now en-route to Israeli forces stationed in Gaza, according to military sources.
Hamas officially transferred the 3 hostages at Al-Saraya Square in Gaza City’s Al-Rimal neighbourhood.
The ICRC’s vehicles, including SUVs and buses, were later seen arriving at Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank, where preparations are underway for the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners. These releases are part of a broader exchange deal tied to the ceasefire agreement.
Ceasefire Takes Effect after Delay
The long-awaited ceasefire, after 472 days of war, was initially supposed to begin at 8:30 am local time; however, it faced a three-hour delay as Hamas finalised the names of hostages to be released. The truce eventually took effect at 11:15 am, ending weeks of intensified conflict.
Despite the agreement, the interim period before the ceasefire was marked by continued violence. Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed 19 Palestinians and injured 30 more, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency.
As calm returned, thousands of displaced Palestinians began making their way back to their homes, carrying whatever belongings they could salvage. Photographs from the region showed long lines of people on foot and in vehicles, some waving Palestinian flags. Meanwhile, aid trucks loaded with critical supplies were seen entering Gaza through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
The release of the 3 hostages marks the beginning of a phased process that will see 33 Israeli hostages freed over the next six weeks. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Hamas, in their negotiations through mediators, has stated that for every release of Israeli hostages, 30 Palestinian detainees will be freed. Sunday’s release of 90 detainees and prisoners is the first step in fulfilling this agreement.
News of the hostages’ release sparked jubilant scenes in Tel Aviv, where large crowds gathered to celebrate. Families of the hostages expressed relief and gratitude, calling it a step toward healing after weeks of uncertainty.
In the morning, as local Gaza residents returned to their dwellings along with their belongings, several street celebrations were witnessed, according to the regional media.
The ceasefire agreement also triggered military de-escalation in parts of Gaza. Israeli forces according to the regional media have reportedly begun withdrawing from several locations in central and eastern areas including Rafah.
As the region takes its first steps toward a fragile peace, the release of hostages and prisoners represents a significant humanitarian gesture, offering hope for broader dialogue and de-escalation in the weeks to come.