JERUSALEM — In a significant development, three hostages previously held by Hamas were freed on Sunday after being in captivity for an extended period of 471 days, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the militant group. This step is part of a larger plan to facilitate the gradual release of numerous hostages over the upcoming weeks.
The ceasefire and the release of the three hostages have generated a mix of hope and concern among the Israeli population. Many hold apprehensions that the structured deal could fail before all hostages are returned, fearing that those who do come back may be in dire health conditions. There are also concerns about the potential number of captives who may have died during the long ordeal, which exceeds earlier estimates.
Around 250 individuals were seized during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, that ignited a prolonged conflict lasting 15 months. Out of these, approximately 100 hostages continue to remain in Gaza, following the previous releases, rescues, or recoveries of deceased individuals.
On the eve of the ceasefire, which many hope represents a first step toward achieving a more enduring peace, Israeli authorities confirmed the retrieval of Oron Shaul’s remains. Shaul was a soldier killed during the 2014 war, and his remains had since been held by the militants.
The first of the three released hostages, Romi Gonen, is a 24-year-old who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival in southern Israel on the day the conflict began. Gonen’s mother, Merav, described a harrowing phone conversation with her daughter during the chaos. Gonen reported the terrifying scenes unfolding, revealing statements so heart-wrenching that they haunt her mother to this day. Merav has become a leading voice advocating for the return of hostages, actively participating in media engagements and international campaigns. “We are doing everything we can so the world will not forget,” she stated six months following the initial attack.
Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli citizen, was another of the hostages released. She was taken from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, an area heavily impacted by the assault. Her mother, Mandy, expressed heartfelt gratitude for those who have continuously supported the efforts to have her daughter returned home. Damari’s vibrant personality and love for community gatherings made her a loved figure among her friends and family. “After 471 days Emily is finally home,” Mandy shared joyously.
Doron Steinbrecher, a 31-year-old veterinary nurse and neighbor to Damari, was also among those released. In the frantic moments of her abduction on October 7, Steinbrecher desperately contacted her mother for help, proclaiming her fear from her hiding place. A chilling voice message during the incident provided her family with confirmation of her kidnapping and helped them understand the gravity of the situation. A subsequent video release by Hamas later on depicted Doron, which brought both hope and concern to her family due to her weakened appearance.
In total, the attack on Kibbutz Kfar Aza resulted in the tragic loss of 64 lives, including 22 soldiers, and left 19 individuals kidnapped. With the return of Damari and Steinbrecher, there still remain three members from the kibbutz unaccounted for: American-Israeli Keith Siegel, 65, and twins Gali and Ziv Berman, 27.
Additionally, the remains of Oron Shaul, a soldier who lost his life during the 2014 conflict, were also returned. The bodies of Shaul and another soldier, Hadar Goldin, have been held by Hamas since their deaths, despite ongoing efforts by their families to secure their return. The families of hostages emphasized the importance of the Shaul family within their advocacy group, and the situation remains a profound concern as militants continue to possess additional remains of Israeli individuals who crossed into Gaza over the years.
