Hamas Releases Names of Three Israeli Hostages It'll Free, Gaza Ceasefire Begins

Palestinian militant group Hamas has released list of three Israeli hostages it plans to set free on Sunday (January 19), said multiple news reports in Western media. The development marked beginning of the Gaza ceasefire after Israel-Hamas war which has been raging for 15 months now.

Hamas mentioned named the women hostages it would free about two hours after the ceasefire was to take effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been firm on list of names of hostages Hamas would release.

As per BBC Doron Steinbrecher (31), Emily Damari (28) and Romi Gonen (24) are the names of Israeli hostages to be freed by Hamas.

The ceasefire began at 11:15 am (local time) on Sunday. CNN has reported that Hamas and Israel will exchange prisoners at 4 pm (local time). Qatar, which has been a key mediator between the two sides has also indicated that Hamas may free the three female hostages on Sunday itself.

The effect of ceasefire was immediately visible. Thousands of internally displaced Gazans began their journey home. Many of them are using vehicles, but those who do not, have begun walking towards their homes that they had to leave because of outbreak of war.

Hamas mounted an attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023 killing around 1200 Israelis and taking 251 as hostages. Israel responded with overwhelming military action that Hamas-run health ministry says has resulted in deaths of nearly 47,000 Palestinians.