British-Israeli, 28, among first three ‘healthy’ hostages released as Gaza ceasefire comes into force

An IDF source told reporters that the three hostages are in good health and have crossed over into Israeli territory.

A senior Hamas official told reporters: "The three women hostages were officially handed over to the Red Cross at Al-Saraya Square in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood in western Gaza City. This occurred after a member of the Red Cross team met with them and ensured their well-being."

In a statement, an IDF spokesman said: "The three returnees are now being escorted by an elite IDF unit and Shin Bet security force on their way back to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical evaluation. IDF commanders and soldiers salute and embrace the returnees on their way to Israel."

Emily's mother, Mandy, said: "After 471 days Emily is finally home. I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal, and who never stopped saying her name. In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home.

"While Emily’s nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families the impossible wait continues. Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home. We ask that the media please respect Emily’s and our family’s privacy during this time."

Hamas said it was expecting a list from Israel of the 90 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, to be released on Sunday in exchange. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ceasefire would not commence until Israel received the names.

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There was some scenes of chaos during the handover between Hamas and the Red Cross as Hamas gunman stood guard on top of the Red Cross vehicles that are holding the three women.

Damari, 28, who holds dual British-Israeli nationality, was taken hostage from Kibbutz Kfar Aza after Hamas killed around 1,200 people and abducted approximately 250 in its horrific October 7 attack.

Israel responded with an offensive in Gaza that has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians and left hundreds of thousands displaced, the Strip's Hamas-run Health Ministry has claimed.

The war has come with diplomatic ramifications as Israel faces outrage and isolation over the death and devastation. Netanyahu faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant on war crimes allegations and separate accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, allegations that Jerusalem strongly denies.

Israel's military spokesman Daniel Hagari, confirmed that the hostages are now back inside Israeli territory and that the three women are being brought to a facility near the border for an initial check-up before being taken to hospital.

Hagari said during a press conference that the now-former hostages - Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher - "are now in safe hands...They are in our hands. They are coming home."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "The release of three hostages today is wonderful and long-overdue news after months of agony for them and their families. Among them is British citizen Emily Damari, who will now be reunited with her family, including her mother Amanda who has never stopped her tireless fight to bring her daughter home.

"I wish them all the very best as they begin the road to recovery after the intolerable trauma they have experienced. We stand ready to offer assistance and support. However, today also represents another day of suffering for those who haven’t made it home yet.

"So while this ceasefire deal should be welcomed, we must not forget about those who remain in captivity under Hamas.

"We must now see the remaining phases of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of those remaining hostages and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a permanent and peaceful solution."