First three hostages released by Hamas as part of ceasefire deal

Starting with the Israel-Hamas conflict, on January 19, local time, the first three Israeli hostages, of 33 to be released according to the recent ceasefire agreement, were freed by Hamas.

The International Committee of the Red Cross facilitated the transfer, escorting the three women to an Israeli military checkpoint.

Upon arrival, they were reunited with their families and transported to a medical center for examination, where the director said all three were in stable condition.

Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari had been abducted on Oct. 7 near a kibbutz and music festival during the Hamas attack.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a video showing him receiving news about the return of three hostages.

Global leaders, including Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed relief at the hostages' release and emphasized ongoing efforts to secure freedom for those still in captivity.