The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday, leading to the release of three Israeli hostages who had been held captive for 471 days. Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher were freed by Hamas as part of the truce deal, bringing joy and relief to their families.

In exchange, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners, signaling a tentative first step toward ending the devastating 15-month-long war in Gaza. The conflict, triggered by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, had seen 250 hostages taken that day, some of whom were later released, rescued, or confirmed deceased.

Romi Gonen, abducted during the Nova music festival, endured harrowing moments before her capture, including a phone call to her mother where she described her injuries amidst gunfire. Emily Damari, a British-Israeli citizen, was taken from her apartment in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a village hit hard during the assault. Doron Steinbrecher, a veterinary nurse and Emily's neighbor, hid under her bed before being captured by militants.

The homecoming of these women brought immense relief to their families. Their release is part of the ceasefire's first phase, which will see 33 hostages freed. Meanwhile, the retrieval of the remains of Oron Shaul, an Israeli soldier killed in 2014, was also announced, though Hamas still holds others.

This historic exchange offers a glimmer of hope amid ongoing tensions, as families of remaining captives anxiously await further breakthroughs.