
‘A Day of Joy and Comfort’: Herzog Welcomes Return of Hostages
President Isaac Herzog said that the entire nation is “rejoicing at your return” after Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher crossed into Israel after 471 days in captivity.
“We send you and your families a huge embrace. This is a day of joy and comfort, and the beginning of a challenging journey of recovery and healing together,” says Herzog, sending his thoughts to the “anxious and grieving families whose loved ones have not yet returned.”
The three Israeli hostages were returned to Israel by Hamas and Israel released 90 Palestinian security prisoners as the ceasefire took effect at 11:15 a.m. – almost three hours later than planned, on Sunday, January 19.
At 5:07 p.m., Hamas had confirmed that 28-year-old Emily Damari, 23-year-old Romi Gonen, and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher had been released to the Red Cross in the vicinity of central Gaza.
By 5:38 p.m. the Red Cross had handed them over to IDF special forces, including the Shayetet 13 naval commandos. At 5:53 p.m., the IDF had returned the three hostages to Israeli territory.
The deal will see 33 hostages released in the first 42-day phase in exchange for the release of security prisoners, humanitarian aid, and an IDF withdrawal to a security perimeter around Gaza around 700-1,100 meters from the Israeli border. (TOI / VFI News)
“Our Heavenly Father, we are immensely grateful for the three hostages who have been released so far. We thank You for hearing our prayers and mediating a deal in which 33 hostages will be released. We thank You for helping them persevere and granting us leaders and defenders who work for the good of our nation. We pray for a successful deal until all the hostages are returned to their homes and that the security prisoners who are being released will not pose a threat to our people or anyone else. In Yeshua’s name we pray, amen.”
The articles included in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Vision for Israel. We try to provide accurate reporting on news pertinent to Israel, the Middle East, the diaspora, and Jewish issues around the world—and we hope that you find it both informative and useful for intercessory prayer.