First Israeli Hostages Freed In Chaotic Gaza Scene With More Expected

Video footage appearing to show the first Israeli hostages was broadcast Sunday, capturing a chaotic scene in Gaza, with dozens more expected to be released.

After 15 months of destruction and death, reports revealed Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had reached a agreement for a temporary ceasefire. On ABC News’ “This Week,” host Whit Johnson aired the first images of the initial group of hostages being released by Hamas, who handed them over to the Red Cross.

“Hamas is in the process of releasing hostages as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. That ceasefire took effect just hours ago at 4:15 this morning Eastern Time,” Johnson said. “It was delayed nearly three hours because Israel said it had not received the names of the three hostages who were to be released. But then those names were released and I want to show you these live images right now.”

“These are — actually this was recorded just moments ago. This is in Gaza. You can see the chaotic scene right there. It’s not clear exactly what was happening here, but our understanding is that the hostages were in some of these vans. This was the transfer between Hamas to the Red Cross,” Johnson added.

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Three women — 24-year-old Romi Gonen, 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher and 28-year-old Emily Damari — were the first round of Israeli hostages to be released Sunday, with 33 total captives expected to be freed over a six-week period, according to CBS News. The first phase of the deal reportedly includes the release of women, children and hostages over 50 years old, the outlet reported.

As the first three hostages were seen being transferred by Hamas to the Red Cross, fighter jets and drones reportedly disappeared from the skies due to the deal. In exchange for the initial group of prisoners, an estimated 191 aid trucks began entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, CBS News reported.

Johnson went on to state that images show the trucks lining up at the border, noting that Israel is also expected to release Palestinian prisoners.

“Those aid trucks already lining up on the Egyptian side of the Gaza border. As part of the exchange, they would then go in,” Johnson said. “You can see them going through the gates. As part of the deal, Israel has also agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.”

Biden held a press conference Sunday in response to the release, outlining the plan for the remaining hostages and adding that the deal reached was his proposal from May 2024.

“The ceasefire has gone an effect in Gaza and today we’re seeing hostages being released. Three Israeli women held against their will in the dark tunnels for 470 days. Four more women will be released in seven days. Three additional hostages every seven days thereafter, including at least two American citizens,” Biden said. “Today the guns in Gaza have gone silent, this was the deal that I outlined for the world back on May 31st.”

However, on Wednesday, in response to reports that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement, President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social, writing that the ceasefire “could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November.” Notably, in December, Trump had warned Middle East leaders and terrorists that there would be “hell to pay” for those who perpetuate “atrocities against humanity.”

Trump celebrated the first phase of the deal on Truth Social, writing Sunday, “Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first.”