British-Israeli, 28, among first three ‘healthy’ hostages released as Gaza ceasefire comes into force

Three hostages, including British-Israeli girl Emily Damari have been released by Hamas.

The Red Cross says that Damari, alongside 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher and 24-year-old Romi Gonenwere have been transferred to them and are on their way toward Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.

An Israeli Defence Force (IDF) source told reporters the three hostages are in good health.

A senior Hamas official told reporters: “The three women hostages were officially handed over to the Red Cross at Al-Saraya Square in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood in western Gaza City. This occurred after a member of the Red Cross team met with them and ensured their well-being.”

Hamas said it was expecting a list from Israel of the 90 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children, to be released on Sunday in exchange. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ceasefire would not commence until Israel received the names.

After receiving the list, his office confirmed in a statement the ceasefire had started, and that Israeli security personnel contacting the families of the hostages who would be released after 4pm.

The Israeli military said it struck “terror targets” in northern and central Gaza on Sunday morning as the dispute with Hamas over the delivery of the list continued.

At least 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in the military strikes, the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said.

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