Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here. News World. First hostages return to Israel as ceasefire takes hold. By Associated Press. Tweet Facebook Mail. The first three hostages were released from Gaza, and the first Palestinian prisoners were freed from Israeli custody, as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold following 15 months of war, with mixed emotions and more difficult steps ahead over the next six weeks.
Palestinians across Gaza began making their way home, and the first trucks with a surge of humanitarian aid began to enter the devastated territory. Buses carrying the detainees exited the gates of Israel's Ofer prison outside the West Bank city of Ramallah, as celebratory fireworks erupted. Palestinians thronged the buses or climbed on top, chanting and cheering. Others filled streets, some waving flags, and horns sounded. The release occurred over seven hours after the first hostages were freed.
The ceasefire that began on Sunday morning raises hopes for ending the devastating conflict and returning the nearly remaining hostages abducted in Hamas' Oct. But major questions remain about whether fighting will resume after the six-week first phase. Footage showed them surrounded by a crowd of thousands, accompanied by masked, armed men wearing green Hamas headbands.
The women were taken to Israeli forces and then into Israel, where they hugged family members fiercely and wept. Damari was shown raising her bandaged hand in triumph. The military said she lost two fingers in the October 7 attack. In Tel Aviv, thousands of people who gathered to watch the news on large screens erupted in applause.
For months, many had gathered in the square weekly to demand a ceasefire deal. Several hours later, the first Palestinian prisoners were released. They had been detained for what Israel called offenses related to its security, from throwing stones to more serious accusations such as attempted murder.
