Israel releases 90 Palestinian prisoners after taking three Hamas hostages

The hostages had been held since the start of the war, on October 7, 2023. In exchange for their release, the Israeli government promised to release 90 Palestinians who are in a penitentiary in the West Bank, territory partially occupied by Israel. The group of prisoners is made up only of women, children and teenagers.

Romi Gonen was at the electronic music festival that was invaded by Hamas. At the time of the attack, she managed to call her mother, Meirav, while trying to flee the scene, according to The Jerusalem Post. Three of the young woman’s friends, who were with her that day, were murdered.

Emily Damari was kidnapped from her home. She lived in the kibbutz (agrarian village) Kfar Aza, in southern Israel, and was imprisoned by Hamas with 37 other residents. Emily, who has dual citizenship (Israeli and British), was raised in Israel but traveled to the UK frequently.

Doron Steinbracher was also kidnapped from her home. She is a veterinary nurse, also has dual citizenship (Israeli and Romanian) and lived on kibbutz Kfar Aza, the same as Emily Damari. Doron appeared alongside other hostages in a video published by Hamas in January 2024.