Israel has freed 90 Palestinians, seven hours after the first three Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
A large crowd gathered as a bus carrying dozens of Palestinian detainees arrived in the West Bank, with celebrations including fireworks and whistles amid shouts of “God is great”.
The released detainees were embraced in hugs as they posed for tearful pictures. All of those released were women or teens, the youngest 15.
Earlier yesterday, at least seven people were injured after Israeli security guards reportedly fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Palestinian families waiting for their relatives outside Ofer Prison.
The first three Israel hostages were handed over to the military in chaotic and emotional scenes, with British-Israeli Emily Damari among those seen hurrying into a Red Cross vehicle.
Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza poured into the streets at the start of 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.
Key Points
- Emily Damari’s mother issues statement
- ‘Our Dodo has returned to our arms'
- Gaza ceasefire now in effect
- Hamas says Israel will submit list of 90 Palestinian prisoners to be freed
- ‘Ceasefire only temporary’ warns Netanyahu
Trump’s national security adviser says US will back Israel if Hamas runs afoul of ceasefire deal
03:55
,
Namita Singh
President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming national security adviser says the US has assured Israel that if Hamas runs afoul of a Gaza ceasefire deal, “we will be with them”.
Michael Waltz said on CNN that trust and confidence is why prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu “felt comfortable pushing this through his government”.
He says the Trump administration will support Israel as it is “going to do what it has to do” to ensure Hamas never rules the Palestinian territory again.
In pictures: Palestinian prisoners greeted as they arrive in West Bank
03:07
,
Namita Singh
Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas frees 3 Israeli hostages
03:01
,
Namita Singh
Israel has freed 90 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The release came early on Monday, more than seven hours after three Israeli hostages released from Hamas captivity in Gaza returned to Israel.
A large bus carrying dozens of Palestinian detainees exited the gates of Israel’s Ofer prison, just outside the West Bank city of Ramallah. Israel’s military, which occupies the West Bank, warned Palestinians against public celebration, but crowds thronged the buses after they left the prison, some people climbing on top or waving flags, including those of Hamas.
There were fireworks and whistles, and shouts of “God is great”. Those released were hoisted onto others’ shoulders or embraced.
According to a list provided by the Palestinian Authority’s Commission for Prisoners’ Affairs, all of those released are women or teens, the youngest 15. Israel detained them for what it said were offences related to Israel’s security, from throwing stones to more serious accusations like attempted murder.
Hamas gave certificates to hostages before freeing them in propaganda video
03:00
,
Barney Davis
Hamas releases a propaganda video showing the release of hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher from captivity in the Gaza Strip earlier today.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) January 19, 2025
The video shows Hamas operatives giving the hostages "gift bags" before they were freed. The bags reportedly… pic.twitter.com/wWzqMzUQHL
Husband patiently waits for release of wife at Ofer Prison
01:00
,
Barney Davis
Saleh Beara is waiting at Ofer Prison gates for the release of his wife Abeer.
Abber was arrested in October and was separated from her children, aged two and four.
“She did not stand any trial or face any sentencing,” Beara told Al Jazeera.
“Throughout her detention, it was very difficult if not impossible to have any news of her. This put us in a very hard mental and emotional state.”
Beara said their family was “overjoyed” when they saw Abeer on the list of prisoners set to be released as part of the ceasefire deal.
“What a relief,” he said. “We were holding our breath thinking her name might not be on the list. But it was.”
Zelensky says hostage release gives Ukraine hope for peace
00:30
,
Barney Davis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X calling the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas “a deeply meaningful moment”.
He said: “Seeing families reunited, and knowing the tears of relief and joy it brings, is something we can all connect with. As Ukrainians, we know the pain of separation and hope of bringing loved ones back home.
“The path to lasting peace and dignity for all people is still long and challenging, but we hope for further progress toward security, stability, and normal life in the entire Middle East.
“Ukraine wishes for peace, justice, and reliable security guarantees for all nations, just as we continue to fight for them ourselves.”
Buses ‘leave prison' as Palestinians expected to be released
Sunday 19 January 2025 23:27
,
Barney Davis
Al Jazeera Arabic is reporting that buses have left Israel’s Ofer prison carrying Palestinian prisoners.
Brit hostage’s mother gives emotional message
Sunday 19 January 2025 23:00
,
Barney Davis
Emily is home ♥️ pic.twitter.com/JCMmKEAhKr
— Mandy Damari (@DamariMandy) January 19, 2025
Red Crescent reporting 7 injured as Israeli forces fire tear gas and rubber bullets at people waiting for release outside Ofer Prison
Sunday 19 January 2025 21:25
,
Barney Davis
Seven injuries were reported during the Israeli forces’ suppression on Palestinians around Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah, while they were waiting for the release of prisoners as part of the exchange deal.
The minor injuries include two due to tear gas, one rubber bullet injury to the chest, two superficial injuries, a run over injury and one fall injury.
Ninety Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released from Ofer Prison as part of the agreement.
Some Israelis reportedly staged a demonstration to prevent buses carrying Palestinian captives from reaching Ofer Prison for the exchange.
إصابات بصفوف أهالي الأسرى جراء إطلاق قوات الاحتلال لقنابل الغاز والرصاص في محيط سجن عوفر الان . pic.twitter.com/LkEOzpHIov
— أسرى الحرية (@ps_prisoners) January 19, 2025
Emotional moment hostages reunite with their families
Sunday 19 January 2025 20:18
,
Barney Davis
Former hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher reunite with their families at Tel Hashomer Hospital in central Israel after 471 days in Hamas captivity. pic.twitter.com/0BvhqsY35S
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) January 19, 2025
Biden and Netanyahu react to hostage release
Sunday 19 January 2025 19:50
,
Barney Davis
“They appear to be in good health,” US President Joe Biden said in brief remarks as they were arriving in Israel.
In Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered to watch the news on large screens erupted in cheers.
For months, many had gathered in the square to demand a ceasefire deal.
Relatives of the women jumped, clapped and wept.
“An entire nation embraces you,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Israeli unease for 94 hostages still held in Gaza
Sunday 19 January 2025 19:30
,
Barney Davis
Amid hope among many Israelis that the six-week ceasefire marks the beginning of the end to the war, there is deep unease about the uncertainty surrounding the remaining 94 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip.
“The ceasefire is something that I hope will work out,” said Tomer Mizrahi, in Sderot, a town in southern Israel within sight of Gaza that was attacked on Oct. 7. “But as I know Hamas, you cannot even trust them one percent.”
Images of Hamas police emerging on to the streets as the ceasefire took effect underscored how far Israel remains from its originally stated war aims of destroying the Islamist group that has ruled in Gaza since 2007.
“I’m torn,” said Dafna Sharabi from Beit Aryeh-Ofarim, a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank. “On the one hand there’s a ceasefire to strengthen the forces, to rest from all the madness, on the other, maybe it’s not the time,” she said.
“They should have been eliminated, wiped out,” she said. “My son was on reserve duty for a year over there, a whole year, and he sees all the Gazans returning, Hamas returning its forces to all the places he fought in.”
Last British hostage in Gaza freed by Hamas after 15 months in captivity as Israel ceasefire begins
Sunday 19 January 2025 19:03
,
Barney Davis
The last British hostage in Gaza was freed by Hamas after more than 15 months in captivity, as part of a long-fought ceasefire to end the ruinous conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, was released alongside two other female captives and reunited with her mother, Mandy, on Sunday evening, after what the family described as nearly 500 “tortuous days” in captivity.
In footage taken in Gaza, cheering crowds of armed militants were seen handing over Emily, alongside her friend Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who was captured with her from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and Romi Goren, 24, who was seized from the Nova music festival.
IDF say hostages have landed at hospital to meet their mothers
Sunday 19 January 2025 18:57
,
Bel Trew
An IDF spokesman said: “The three released hostages, together with their mothers, just landed at a hospital, where they will be reunited with the rest of their families and receive medical treatment
“.The IDF, ISA, the Mossad, and Israeli health authorities are ready to continue receiving additional hostages and are operating to bring home all the hostages.”
‘Our Dodo has returned to our arms'
Sunday 19 January 2025 18:36
,
Barney Davis
The family of Doron Steinbrecher who has just been released have thanked Donald Trump for his role in getting their daughter released.
In a statement they said: “After an unbearable 471 days, our beloved Dodo has finally returned to our arms.
“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and accompanied us along this journey. A special thank you to the people of Israel for their warm embrace, unwavering support, and the strength they gave us during our darkest moments.
“We also extend our gratitude to President Trump for his significant involvement and support, which meant so much to us.
“Our heroic Dodo, who survived 471 days in Hamas captivity, begins her rehabilitation journey today. We will continue to stand with all the families and do everything in our power until all of their loved ones return home.”
First photo of released British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari
Sunday 19 January 2025 17:49
,
Jabed Ahmed
Emily Damari has been reunited with her mother Mandy, and has been seen on a video call with her brother for the first time.
Israel's ambassador to US credits Trump and degrading of Hamas for ceasefire deal
Sunday 19 January 2025 17:42
,
Jabed Ahmed
Israel’s ambassador to United States credited President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, along with his country’s degrading of Hamas, for the ceasefire deal that took effect Sunday.
Ambassador Michael Herzog said Hamas realized they were on their own in their fight and “Trump came into the picture and said he wants a deal,” pushing them toward it.
On “Fox News Sunday,” he noted the “unprecedented cooperation” between President Joe Biden’s team and Trump’s envoys.
Going forward, he says he sees “a role for the U.S. and other regional actors to apply and create alternatives to Hamas and stabilize the situation.”
Watch live: Freed Israeli hostages arrive at Sheba Medical Centre after Hamas ceasefire release
Sunday 19 January 2025 17:20
,
Jabed Ahmed
Father of an Israeli-American hostage grateful to Trump for work on ceasefire
Sunday 19 January 2025 17:17
,
Jabed Ahmed
The father of an Israel-American held by Hamas says he’s grateful for the incoming Trump administration for its work on getting the ceasefire deal over the finish line.
Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, says the outgoing Biden administration “did extraordinary work” on the framework of the deal.
“However, it took a tweet, the subsequent statements from President-elect Trump to get this home,” the father said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “And what we ask of President Trump and his team is to keep their finger on this.”
President Joe Biden’s top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, said Sunday that Sagui Dekel-Chen is one of the two Israeli-American hostages would will be released in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement over the coming weeks.
Watch | Hamas fighters surround first hostages to be released in ceasefire deal
Sunday 19 January 2025 17:12
,
Jabed Ahmed
Watch live: Biden addresses nation as Hamas releases first hostages in Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal
Sunday 19 January 2025 17:05
,
Jabed Ahmed
Emily Damari’s mother issues statement
Sunday 19 January 2025 17:05
,
Jabed Ahmed
Mandy Damari 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.”
Watch | Israeli hostage families shed tears as ceasefire reunion nears
Sunday 19 January 2025 16:45
,
Jabed Ahmed
Starmer: Hostage release is ‘wonderful and long-overdue news’
Sunday 19 January 2025 16:43
,
Jabed Ahmed
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.”
Hamas says Israeli ceasefire violations could endanger hostages
Sunday 19 January 2025 16:30
,
Jabed Ahmed
Hamas’ armed wing said the group would abide by a ceasefire agreement that came into force in Gaza on Sunday but that any possible Israeli violations would endanger the process and put the lives of hostages at risk.
In a video speech, al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida urged mediators to compel Israel to commit to the ceasefire deal.
Emily Damari’s lawyers share joy
Sunday 19 January 2025 16:19
,
Jabed Ahmed
In a statement posted on social media, Adam Wagner and Adam Rose, lawyers for the British hostage families, said: “We are delighted that our client, Emily Damari, has finally been released, after over 15 months of captivity by Hamas terrorists. We cannot wait to meet her.
“We are thankful to everyone who has played parts in campaigning for her release, including the British government who have provided support over the past 15 months.
“We request now that the family is allowed some peace and space.
“We continue to call for the speedy return of the other four hostages with strong British connections and for whom we act, Eli Sharabi, Yossi Sharabi (deceased), Oded Lifshitz and Avinatan Or, and of all of the other hostages.”
Palestinians in the West Bank gather for the expected release of 90 prisoners from Israel
Sunday 19 January 2025 16:13
,
Jabed Ahmed
Families and friends of some of the Palestinians prisoners set to be released from Israel in exchange for hostages in Gaza gathered in Ramallah as cars honked and people waved the Palestinian flag.
About 90 Palestinian prisoners from the West Bank and Jerusalem will be released Sunday after Hamas freed the three Israeli hostages. The Palestinians include 69 women.
Fadia Barghouti was arrested from Ramallah in April and spent three months in prison without being given a reason, she said. Tonight she hopes to see friends she had been detained with.
“I’m happy, because of the ceasefire people can live peacefully,” she said.
She said the war in Gaza is evidence that no one in the Middle East can live peacefully until Palestinians have their rights.
Watch | Israeli hostages’ tears of joy as they reunite with families after Hamas kidnap
Sunday 19 January 2025 16:08
,
Jabed Ahmed
Biden says ‘the guns in Gaza have gone silent’
Sunday 19 January 2025 16:05
,
Jabed Ahmed
US President Joe Biden has said “the guns in Gaza have gone silent” under a ceasefire deal he outlined in May.
Biden spoke during a visit to a church in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Speaking of the hostages that were being released under the ceasefire, Biden said he had just received a call saying the three were being released. Although he stressed that it was early and it wasn’t immediately clear whether they were out of Gaza, Biden said: “They appear to be in good health.”
Pictured | Relatives weep and celebrate as hostages returned
Sunday 19 January 2025 16:01
,
Jabed Ahmed
Breaking: First three hostages released into Israeli custody
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:51
,
Jabed Ahmed
Three Israeli hostages released from Gaza have been handed over to Israeli forces there in the first test of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The three hostages are Romi Gonen, 24, kidnapped from the Nova music festival, and Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Later on Sunday, Israel is expected to release around 90 Palestinian prisoners.
A gradual release of 33 captives over the next six weeks has been agreed on.
In exchange, Israel will release almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and Palestinians from Gaza who have been detained.
Watch live: Crowds gather in Tel Aviv as ceasefire sees hostages released after 470 days
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:50
,
Jabed Ahmed
Pictured | Hamas militants hand over hostages
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:44
,
Jabed Ahmed
Watch: Friends of Israeli-British hostage Emily Damari await news of her release from Hamas
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:41
,
Jabed Ahmed
Pictured | Israeli soldiers and members of the Red Cross gather near the Israeli military prison ahead of swap
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:35
,
Jabed Ahmed
‘Glimmer of hope in a cycle of death’: Families in Gaza pray ceasefire brings an end to devastation
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:32
,
Jabed Ahmed
Watch: Families gather at in Tel Aviv anxiously waiting for hostages’ release
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:21
,
Holly Evans
First three hostages released by Hamas to the Red Cross
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:17
,
Holly Evans
The three hostages who were released by Hamas as part of the first phase of its ceasefire deal have been received by the Red Cross team, the IDF report.
“The Red Cross has communicated that the three Israeli hostages were transferred to them and are on their way toward IDF and Israel Securities Authority forces in the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
The women are Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher.
Release of Emily Damari signals end of ‘500 days of unending torment’ for family
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:09
,
Holly Evans
Emily Cohen, who has been representing the family, said: “These final few hours have been the most agonising that you can imagine, after nearly 500 days of unending torment for Mandy and all the other families.
“Obviously this is amazing news for Mandy and Emily’s entire family, but she will only believe it when she actually gets to see Emily alive and give her that hug she’s been dreaming of. Being so close to that moment makes the pain even more intense.
“As a mother, seeing how Mandy has campaigned tirelessly for Emily for the past 471 days, has been utterly inspiring. I cannot begin to explain how brave and fearless she has been fighting for her daughter, pressuring world leaders and international organisations relentlessly and constantly.
“Given how unbearable the last few hours have been and the rollercoaster of emotions, please respect Mandy’s privacy at this very critical time.
“I know she wants everyone to know how deeply grateful she is to the British public, MPs, football supporters and strangers from around the world, who have been praying and campaigning for Emily’s release.”
Mother of British hostage Emily Damari says she is praying for her daughter’s return
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:06
,
Holly Evans
The mother of one of the three female hostages expected to be released Sunday said she was praying her daughter will return to Israel alive, adding, “I have more hope now than I’ve had in the last 15 months.”
Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli national, was kidnapped from her apartment on Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a communal farming village hit hard by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
“It would be the most wonderful feeling in the world if she comes back, the most wonderful feeling. But I won’t believe it until I see and feel it for myself,” her mother Mandy said in a statement released on behalf of her family.
To keep her going, Mandy has woken every day, giving her daughter an imaginary hug and sending her a virtual message to “Keep strong, keep alive” and telling her, “you are going to be OK.” She described the past 15 months as “a nightmare, living a life like this.”
She added: “What she’s been feeling there – who knows. It must have been ten times worse for her than it has been for me.”
Ten people charged with public order offences after London pro-Palestine protest
Sunday 19 January 2025 15:02
,
Holly Evans
Ten people have been charged with public order offences after pro-Palestinian protesters allegedly breached protest conditions as they marched from a rally in Whitehall to Trafalgar Square, breaking through a police line in the process.
Saturday’s Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) protest was adjusted to be a static rally after police curtailed organisers’ plans for a march past the BBC and near a synagogue, and conditions were put in place that prevented people involved from entering specific areas.
Thousands of demonstrators marched towards Trafalgar Square from Whitehall after speeches were made at the rally.
The Metropolitan Police announced on Saturday that 77 people had been arrested – the highest number across more than 20 national PSC protests since October 2023.
The force said on Sunday that 24 people have been bailed and 48 remain in custody.
Crowds gather in Tel Aviv to await news of hostages
Sunday 19 January 2025 14:56
,
Holly Evans
Anticipation is growing as the first signs emerge of the handover of the first three hostages set to be released.
Hundreds of people have gathered in Tel Aviv in what has been called “Hostages Square” to watch the news on large screens.
For months, thousands of Israelis have gathered weekly at the square to demand a deal to bring everyone home.
What has happened so far today?
Sunday 19 January 2025 14:48
,
Holly Evans
- A ceasefire deal agreed between Israel and Hamas has gone into effect, despite a nearly three-hour delay on Sunday morning. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the truce was delayed after Hamas failed to hand over a list of hostages by the allocated time period.
- Israel has confirmed receiving the names of the three captives to be freed on the first day of the implementation of the agreement.
- Three female hostages are currently in the process of being released by the Red Cross - they include British citizen Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher.
- Palestinians in Gaza have begun to return to their homes, many of which have been razed to the ground during the destruction of the 15-month war.
- At least 19 Palestinians were killed in the hours before the ceasefire.
In pictures: Helicopters being prepared to receive the hostages
Sunday 19 January 2025 14:32
,
Holly Evans
Live: View as British Israeli hostage among firsts to be released in ceasefire deal
Sunday 19 January 2025 14:28
,
Holly Evans
Red Cross convoy on its way to bring hostages back to Israel
Sunday 19 January 2025 14:25
,
Holly Evans
A Red Cross convoy is on its way to pick up the first Israeli hostages in Gaza.
It is not clear how long the process will take before the hostages will be handed over. Three women are set to be the first released in the ceasefire that began earlier Sunday.
Israeli media are reporting that the army has asked the mothers of the three hostages to come to a meeting point at a base next to the Gaza border.
‘Hamas will never govern Gaza,’ says Trump’s incoming national security adviser
