Relatives of freed Israeli hostages call for the release of all remaining captives

The families of three Israeli hostages released on Sunday as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas have expressed their thanks to everyone involved in securing the release of their loved ones.

Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28) and Doron Steinbrecher (31) were the first three hostages released by Hamas after a ceasefire deal – brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt – went into effect on Sunday.

Initial footage released showed the three women in disbelief, crying tears of elation in the moments of their reunion with their mothers on Israeli soil.

Stepping into a specially prepared reception area in a military base near the Gaza border, Gonen, Dami and Steinbrecher each embraced their mothers for the first time after more than 15 months under Hamas captivity in the enclave, after being captured in their 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel.

“On behalf of Emily and the rest of our family, there are so many people who deserve a special thank you for working to bring her home," said Mandy Damari, mother of released hostage Emily Damari.

The families were overcome with joy, even extending their gratitude to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has come under fire domestically for the entirety of the war for his cabinet not prioritising the return of hostages.

“I open with thanks to the Israeli government and to the Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu), with courage and values, a decision was taken to move forward an important process like no other, returning the sons and daughters to our borders,” said Meirav Leshem Gonen, mother of released hostage Romi Gonen.

“We are delighted to finally say that Romi is a former hostage. The reality we summoned and acted (hoped) for her has materialised and we became a family of returnees,” added Gonen.

On Sunday, upon her release, Damari held up a whiteboard with the words “the nightmare is over” while aboard a helicopter that whisked them to hospital. Israeli media outlets say the circumstances they’ve lived in were difficult, with medicine being limited and spending significant stretches of time without daylight, confined to underground spaces.

The families also issued many thanks to US President Donald Trump, who was just inaugurated as the 47th US president on Monday.

“We’ve reached this moment after too much time and without (US President Donald) Trump’s involvement it wouldn’t happen,” said Yamit Ashkenazi, sister of released hostage Doron Steinbrecher.

Mandy Damari, mother of Emily, also name dropped both Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, for their notable efforts, saying “President Biden, President Trump and leaders and negotiators around the world” were instrumental in making their reunion dreams a reality.

“We also wanted to thank the incoming US President, Mr. Donald Trump, thanks to his brave stand with Israel and strengthening the human good in the world, has pushed for this moment,” noted Meirav Gonen.

The families of the released hostages say their loved ones are “in good spirits” and recovering well, noting that the road to recovery, however, is long.

They also expressed hope for all other families across Israel, with hostages still trapped in Gaza, to be reunited with their loved ones soon. They also urged the families to continue to take to the streets, protest and fight to ensure all phases of the ceasefire agreement are implemented, and all hostages safely return.