Hamas has reportedly targeted three female captives to be released first among the initial terms of a cease-fire agreement reached between Israel and the Gaza Strip. Release forms part of a six-week deal comprising the release of 33 people, women soldiers, children, men older than 50 years, and those ill or injured.
The three women will be released and returned home later Sunday. One of the hostages is 23-year-old Romi Gonen, taken as she attempted to run away from the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, as Hamas-led terrorists launched attacks throughout Israel and hundreds were killed. She called her mother, Meirav Gonen, making a distressing phone call and revealing that she had been shot and was bleeding. Her mother described her as a strong and vibrant person who loved attending music festivals.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an advocacy group for releasing captives held by Hamas among Israelis, spotted the three women and continues in its efforts towards the freedom of about 100 remaining hostages still being held today. Many that are still there, both dead and alive were taken during this October attack.
It is considered to be one of the important steps in the fragile cease-fire agreement. It gives hope to the families of those still in captivity, though with a sense of uncertainty and skepticism nonetheless.
It remains to be an international outcry to exercise restraint and humanitarian intervention amidst the losses it has wrought on both sides. Perhaps the recent hostages’ release would be followed up with careful attention as probably the turning point in the ongoing efforts aimed at de-escalating tension in the region.
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