In a meaningful development amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the first three hostages set too be released as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas have been identified. Among them is emily Damari,a 28-year-old British-Israeli woman,whose harrowing abduction has drawn international attention. According to her mother, emily was “shot in the hand, injured by shrapnel in her leg, blindfolded, bundled into the back of her own car, and driven back to Gaza” during the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Joining Emily in the initial release are two other women: 24-year-old Romi Gonen and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher. The trio’s freedom marks a critical step in the ceasefire deal, which has been the subject of intense negotiations. On Sunday,hamas submitted the names of the hostages to mediators,signaling the start of the process.
Doron Steinbrecher
The ceasefire, which had been set to begin at 8:30 AM local time, faced delays due to procedural issues. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the agreement would not proceed until the names of the hostages were confirmed. Once the list was received, his office announced that the ceasefire had officially commenced at 11:15 AM. Israeli security teams are now meticulously verifying the details and coordinating with the families of the hostages, who are expected to be released after 4 PM.
In addition to the initial three, the agreement stipulates that four other female hostages will be freed within seven days. The ceasefire, which follows 15 months of intense military operations in Gaza, represents a fragile yet hopeful pause in the conflict.However, the process has not been without hurdles. The initial deadline was missed after Hamas failed to provide the list of names on time, underscoring the complexities of negotiating in such a volatile environment.
As the world watches, this ceasefire deal offers a glimmer of hope for the safe return of hostages and a potential path toward de-escalation. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this agreement can pave the way for further progress in resolving the broader conflict.
an explosion in northern Gaza as the ceasefire was delayed. Pic: Reuters
On Sunday morning, tensions in Gaza escalated as the Israeli military conducted strikes on what it described as “terror targets” in the northern and central regions.These operations unfolded amid ongoing disputes with Hamas over critical negotiations, delaying a much-anticipated ceasefire.
The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service reported at least 13 fatalities and numerous injuries resulting from the strikes. Eyewitnesses and medical personnel detailed the chaos as tanks shelled the Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City, while an airstrike and tank fire targeted Beit Hanoun in the north. Families who had returned to their homes, hopeful for a pause in the violence, were forced to flee once again.
Bunkall, a commentator on the situation, remarked, “Many in Israel will naturally blame Hamas for playing games and risking the lives of the hostages and the Gazan people.” He added, “The mediating teams knew the ceasefire would be shaky, they knew that there would be bumps in the road and have encouraged both Israel and Hamas to remain calm as any difficulties are worked through.”
Among those affected is Ms. Damri, the sole remaining british national held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. Her fate remains a focal point in the negotiations, adding urgency to the international efforts to resolve the crisis.
As the situation continues to develop, further updates are expected. For real-time alerts on breaking news, you can download the news app, follow @News on X, or subscribe to the YouTube channel for the latest updates.
Given the fragile nature of the ceasefire, how can international actors best support a lasting peace in the region?
interview with Dr. Sarah Levin,International conflict Resolution Expert
Archyde Editor: Good afternoon,Dr. Levin. thank you for joining us today. As we discuss the recent developments in the Israel-hamas ceasefire agreement, especially the release of the first three hostages, can you provide some context on how significant this step is in the broader conflict?
Dr. Levin: Thank you for having me. This is indeed a significant moment. The release of hostages, especially in such a high-profile conflict, often serves as a confidence-building measure. The fact that Emily Damari,Romi Gonen,and Doron Steinbrecher are being released is not just a humanitarian victory but also a potential turning point in negotiations. It signals that both parties are willing to engage in dialog, even if the process is fraught with challenges.
archyde Editor: The ceasefire faced delays due to procedural issues, and Hamas initially missed the deadline to provide the list of hostages.What does this say about the negotiation process in such a volatile environment?
Dr. Levin: These delays underscore the complexities of negotiating in a conflict where trust is in short supply. Procedural issues,such as the verification of names,are critical to ensuring that agreements are implemented fairly and transparently. The missed deadline highlights the operational challenges faced by Hamas but also the importance of third-party mediators—such as Qatar,Egypt,and the U.S.—who play a crucial role in bridging gaps and keeping the process on track.
Archyde Editor: The agreement stipulates that four more female hostages will be released within seven days. How do you see this gradual approach impacting the ceasefire’s sustainability?
dr. Levin: A phased approach is not uncommon in such agreements. It allows both sides to build trust incrementally. However, it also introduces an element of vulnerability—any misstep or perceived breach of trust could derail the entire process. The next seven days will be critical. If the releases go smoothly and both sides adhere to the terms, it could pave the way for more comprehensive agreements, including the release of additional hostages and possibly longer-term ceasefires.
Archyde Editor: What role do you think international pressure and attention play in shaping these negotiations?
Dr. Levin: International attention is a double-edged sword.on one hand, it exerts pressure on both parties to act responsibly and highlights the humanitarian stakes involved. the global outcry over Emily Damari’s abduction, for instance, likely played a role in prioritizing her release. On the other hand, too much external interference can complicate negotiations, as parties might feel compelled to act in ways that cater to international audiences rather than resolving the conflict on their own terms.
Archyde Editor: what are your thoughts on the long-term prospects for peace in the region, given this fragile ceasefire?
Dr. Levin: While this ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope, it’s significant to temper expectations. The root causes of the conflict—political, territorial, and ideological—remain unresolved. For any lasting peace to be achieved, there needs to be a sustained commitment to dialogue, addressing grievances on both sides, and building mechanisms for coexistence. This ceasefire could be a stepping stone, but it’s only the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a long and tough journey.
Archyde Editor: Thank you, Dr. Levin, for your insights. We’ll be closely following the developments in the coming days.
Dr.Levin: Thank you. It’s crucial that we remain hopeful but realistic. The release of these hostages is a step forward, but much work remains to be done.
