On their way home, at long last

Hostages Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, and Romi Gonen Leave Hospital

After 471 days in Hamas captivity, three Israeli hostages completed medical evaluations at Sheba Medical Center and were discharged to continue treatment at Kfar Hamaccabiah, while negotiations persist for the remaining 90 hostages still held in Gaza.

Emily Damari in a helicopter, on her way home (Photo: Yonatan Sindel / Flash90)

Three Israeli hostages were discharged from Sheba Medical Center today after 471 days in Hamas captivity, completing their initial medical evaluations and checks.

The women will continue treatment at Kfar Hamaccabiah alongside their families. "We'll continue supporting them while remaining prepared until the last hostage returns," Sheba Medical Center announced.

Just yesterday, they watched together as four female observers - Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev, and Daniela Gilboa - were released after 477 days in captivity. The newly freed women emphasized the urgency of returning all remaining hostages.

Last Friday marked their first family Shabbat dinners in over 15 months. "This is our first Friday after 67 Fridays without Doron," said her parents, Roni and Simona Steinbrecher. "The joy will be complete only when all hostages return home."

The Gonen family shared: "Tonight we'll make Kiddush with [our] amazing Romi for the first time in 67 weeks. We expect Israel's government to continue all stages to bring back all hostages."

Currently, 90 hostages remain in Gaza, with 26 expected to be released in the deal's first phase. Negotiations continue over Arbel Yehud's release, initially planned for the second phase. Thousands of Gazans were seen near Netzarim crossing today, some reportedly asking "Where is Arbel? Everyone is looking for her."

Ynet contributed to this article.


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