A day before President Donald Trump is set to return to the presidency, reports have emerged that three Israeli hostages have been released and handed over to the Red Cross.
The individuals released have been identified as Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, who were reportedly taken hostage during the tragic events at the Nova Music Festival.
The Times of Israel confirmed the release, reporting, “The IDF says that the Red Cross has notified the military that hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher were handed over to them.”
This development marks a critical moment amid ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, and it brings hope for more reunions in the days ahead. Further updates on the conditions of the hostages and the circumstances of their release are anticipated.
Last month, Hamas issued a stark warning against further Israeli rescue operations, threatening to “neutralize” its hostages if such actions occur. The threat came in an internal statement dated November 22, obtained by Reuters, and disseminated by the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing.
The statement instructed operatives to worsen the living conditions of captives in accordance with guidelines introduced after Israel’s June 9 raid on Gaza’s Nuseirat camp. That operation successfully freed four hostages but resulted in over 200 Palestinian deaths, according to local officials, marking it as one of the conflict’s deadliest incidents.
Hamas warned its operatives not to consider the consequences of implementing these measures, instead holding Israel accountable for the hostages’ fate. Specific details about when another Israeli operation might occur were not included.
