The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that it has obtained the names of the three Israeli hostages that Hamas is scheduled to release today under the temporary ceasefire agreement reached last week that took effect this morning. Shahav Gonen, the sister of Romi Gonen (24 years old), who was kidnapped in the Gaza Strip, posted on his Instagram account that Romi is among those who will be released. The other two hostages are Emily Damari (28 years old) and Doron Steinbrecher (31 years old).
Earlier this morning, the Israeli army attacked vehicles in the Gaza Strip that it said were carrying Hamas terrorists. In the Gaza Strip itself, 19 people were reported killed and more than 36 others injured.
At the same time, the party’s statement said that ministers belonging to the “Otzma Yehudit” (Jewish Power) party led by Itamar Ben Gvir resigned from the government “due to the reckless agreement with the Hamas terrorist organization.” The Supreme Court of Justice rejected the petitions against the hostage release deal.
Last night, the Israeli government approved the deal under which 33 hostages are scheduled to be released. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last night: “We will achieve all the goals of the war, and we will return all the hostages to the homeland,” adding that “the first phase of the deal is a temporary ceasefire.”
“This agreement is the result of the heroism of our fighters in battle and cooperation with the outgoing administrations of the United States. The two presidents have given Israel full support for returning to the fight if they feel that negotiations in the second phase are meaningless. If we return to the fight, we will do so in new ways and with very high intensity.” .
“Israel will retain full control of the Philadelphia Corridor and will close it from all sides. Terrorists who committed murders will not be released to Judea and Samaria – they will be exiled to the Gaza Strip or abroad. We have also decided to send significant reinforcements.” For our forces in Judea and Samaria.”
“It better hold up,” incoming US President Donald Trump said of the hostage release deal in an interview with NBC News yesterday.
Trump added: “If they respect us, he will stand. If they don’t respect us, all hell will break loose.”
Published by Globes, Israel Business News – en.globes.co.il – on January 19, 2025.
© Copyright Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd., 2025.