Hamas Releases Three Female Hostages, Joe Biden Emerges to Take Credit [WATCH]

The Red Cross facilitated the release of the first hostages from Gaza into Israeli custody on Sunday as part of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The agreement, which took effect over the weekend, marked a significant step in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Three Israeli women, identified as Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were the first hostages released under the deal.

The three female hostages who will be released today

Romi Gonen
Emily Damari
Doron Steinbrecher pic.twitter.com/vpxDyqmmJm

— נועה מגיד | Noa magid (@NoaMagid) January 19, 2025

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Israeli officials confirmed that all three women were in good health upon their return.

The three hostages released by Hamas, as part of the first phase of its ceasefire deal, have been received by the Red Cross team in Gaza.

The women are Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher, and they are on their way toward Israeli forces.https://t.co/gDirSr0tgG pic.twitter.com/Y8eBBT6QC0

— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 19, 2025

In exchange, Israel released dozens of Palestinian prisoners, with plans for a total of 90 prisoners to be freed during the first phase of the agreement.

Over the course of the five-week cease-fire, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released.

The Israeli government announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would remain in Gaza until all hostages are freed.

However, the IDF will reposition to a security zone along the Gaza border to ensure the safety of residents in nearby communities.

This security strategy represents a shift in Israel’s approach to the conflict and is currently being finalized under the supervision of the IDF’s Southern Command.

Joe Biden claimed credit for the cease-fire agreement, stating that the deal was similar to a proposal he made in May 2024.

#WATCH | On release of three Israeli hostages, US President Joe Biden says, “The deal that I first put forward last May for the Middle East has finally come to fruition. The ceasefire has gone an effect in Gaza and today we’re seeing hostages being released. Three Israeli women,… pic.twitter.com/fO4WBfVCfU

— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2025

“It now falls to the next administration to help implement this deal,” Biden said, declining to answer questions from the press.

The Israeli government issued a statement welcoming the three hostages back home and acknowledging the efforts of its officials and forces in securing their release.

“The Israeli government embraces the three returned hostages. Their families were informed by the appointed officials they joined our forces,” the statement read.

The hostage exchange marks a critical development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with international attention focused on the implementation of the cease-fire and the subsequent release of hostages and prisoners.

The agreement highlights the complex negotiations involved in addressing the broader regional conflict.

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