Israel-Gaza ceasefire live: British hostage Emily Damari reunited with mother following chaotic Hamas handover
The first three hostages have been handed over to the Israeli military in chaotic and emotional scenes, with British-Israeli Emily Damari among those seen hurrying into a Red Cross vehicle.
For Ms Damari, 28, it marks the end of 471 days of captivity, a harrowing ordeal that began when she was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during Hamas’s assault on 7 October.
News of the hostages’ release was met with jubilation by families and supporters who gathered in Tel Aviv as a fragile ceasefire came into effect after a three-hour delay. Tearful crowds cheered, clapped, and embraced as the moment sank in.
The Israeli military confirmed that it had received the hostages, who would undergo medical evaluations before reuniting with their families. Hope now turns to the safe return of others still held.
Among those freed was Romi Gonen, 24, ambushed while fleeing the Supernova music festival. Veterinary nurse Doron Steinbrecher, 31, was also set to be released after being seized during an attack on her apartment in southern Israel.
Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza poured into the streets to mark the truce, despite the devastation surrounding them. Many returned to homes reduced to rubble during 15 months of relentless conflict that claimed over 46,000 lives.
