'Incredibly moving day' - Netanyahu reacts to hostage release
Benjamin Netanyahu (photo: Getty Images)
On Sunday, January 19, a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas came into force. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already reacted, calling the return of the hostages "an incredibly moving day," The Times of Israel reports.
In a conversation with Gal Hirsch, who is responsible for the return of hostages in the government, Netanyahu said that the three civilian women are "the first hostages that" Israel is bringing "home in this round."
He also asked Hirsch to tell them that the entire nation welcomes them home.
"I know, we all know, that they went through hell, they are going from darkness to light, they are truly exiting slavery for freedom. This moment was achieved through the sacrifice and bravery of our heroic fighters… this is a big moment, an emotional moment. A big day," Netanyahu said.
Release of hostages
Hamas released three civilian women first of all - Romy Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher. The group then handed them over to the Red Cross, which in turn took them to the Israeli Defense Forces. Soon after, the released prisoners met with their families.
Read more about why the parties signed the agreement, how long the ceasefire can last, and what new threats there are in the RBC-Ukraine article.
