Hamas has handed over the first three female captives as part of a ceasefire deal for Gaza Strip. The agreement will last for 42 days and involve the release of more captives and prisoners. Israeli authorities have confirmed the handover of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher to the Red Cross, with celebrations erupting in Gaza City. The ceasefire deal consists of three phases, with the first one entailing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue fighting, despite some far-right legislators resigning in protest. The ceasefire has been welcomed by thousands of Palestinians who hope for improved conditions in Gaza after months of deadly attacks. The captives will be taken to Israel for identification and medical evaluations before being reunited with their families.
Trucks carrying aid are waiting at the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, as part of the ceasefire agreement. A total of 90 Palestinian prisoners, mainly from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, are set to be released in exchange for the three Israeli captives. Among them is Khalida Jarrar, a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The prisoners include women, children, and young men who have been detained on various charges.
The ceasefire also saw Israel retrieving the body of soldier Oron Shaul, who was killed during the 2014 Israel-Hamas war. The ceasefire deal aims to bring relief to Gaza and facilitate the release of captives on both sides as a step towards peace in the region.
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