Up next
Author
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp


Four hundred and seventy-one days. That’s how long it’s been since the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, have been home, safe in Israel, since they’ve seen their family members. The ceasefire deal brokered between Israel and Hamas earlier this week went into effect on Sunday morning and, as part of the deal, the first three of 33 hostages set to be released during Phase 1 of the deal have been released. 

Hamas initially delayed providing the list of those who would be released Sunday, citing logistical issues — “Communication between operatives is conducted physically via couriers, and it takes time to agree on the names and the location of the hostages” — but finally, early Sunday morning, their names were released:

A little more background on these first three being welcomed home:

Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first.

As details of the deal have emerged, there has been marked criticism, particularly as to the number and nature of prisoners Israel agreed to release in exchange for the hostages. There’s also been a great deal of focus on the littlest hostage, Kfir Bibas, only eight months old when he and his then-4-year-old brother, Ariel, were kidnapped, along with their mother, Shiri. Their father, Yarden Bibas, was also taken hostage. Saturday marked Kfir’s second birthday — both of his birthdays have been spent in captivity. We don’t yet know when the Bibas family will be released — or if they’re even still alive. We can only hope and pray for their safe return, along with the remaining hostages. 

For now, we can at least breathe a sigh of relief and be glad for the knowledge that Doron, Emily, and Romi are back home on Israeli soil and, hopefully, can begin to heal. 
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp
You May Also Like
D.C. Mayor Enacts 'Juvenile Curfew' After 'Weeks of Disorderly' Behavior

D.C. Mayor Implements Curfew to Curb Rising Youth Disorder: What You Need to Know

In a recent move addressing concerns of unruly youth activity, Washington, D.C.…
Trump says indictment of critics is 'opposite' of retribution: 'I've been very mild-mannered'

Trump Responds to Indictment Critics: ‘I’ve Been Very Mild-Mannered

In a recent interview, President Trump staunchly defended the actions of his…
What my addiction taught me about Big Pharma’s deceptive marketing 

Insights from My Addiction: Unveiling Big Pharma’s Misleading Marketing Tactics

Pharmaceutical companies have raised concerns over President Trump’s September memorandum aimed at…
Mark Warner says shutdown could end ‘this week’ with Trump back in US

Senator Mark Warner Suggests Potential End to Government Shutdown Following Trump’s Return to the U.S.

Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) expressed optimism that the ongoing government shutdown might…
2025’s Big 3 Elections – Final Analysis/Predictions Before Nov. 4

Comprehensive Analysis and Predictions for the Big Three Elections of 2025 Ahead of November 4th

The anticipation is building as the pivotal 2025 elections approach their…
Sunday shows preview: Stakes rise as government shutdown enters second month

Government Shutdown Showdown: Sunday Shows Tackle Escalating Stakes in Second Month

The prolonged government shutdown has now stretched into its second month as…
Live updates: SNAP benefits in peril as shutdown persists; Obama to stump for Dems in VA, NJ

Live Coverage: SNAP Benefits Threatened Amid Ongoing Shutdown; Obama to Campaign for Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a crucial source of federal food…
Kat Timpf launches blistering attack on Jimmy Kimmel's shock suspension despite branding fellow comedian 'out of touch'

Kat Timpf Critiques Jimmy Kimmel’s Unexpected Suspension, Labeling Him as ‘Out of Touch

Kat Timpf has voiced her opposition to the abrupt cancellation of Jimmy…