Contents of Bags Given to Released Israeli Hostages Revealed “`

The three Israeli women freed in the initial phase of the Hamas ceasefire agreement were seen carrying brown paper bags bearing the terrorist group’s emblem. These bags reportedly contained a Gaza map, photographs of the women taken during their captivity, and certificates stating “release decision,” according to Hebrew media outlets.

Emily Damari, Romi Goren, and Doron Steinbrecher, abducted during the October 7th attacks, returned to Israel on Sunday as part of the ceasefire agreement. All three women have been reunited with their families after more than 15 months in captivity.

A representative for Goren’s family stated her bag also included a necklace, CNN reported, adding that the Israeli Security Agency seized the items provided by Hamas.

“I am relieved to report that after her release, Emily is doing much better than any of us could ever have anticipated. I am also happy that during her release the world was given a glimpse of her feisty and charismatic personality,” Mandy Damari, Emily’s mother, said in a statement released by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum on X. “In Emily’s own words, she is the happiest girl in the world; she has her life back.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed gratitude to Netanyahu for securing Damari’s release, as she also holds British citizenship.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum also issued a statement from Steinbrecher’s family, thanking the Israeli people and President Donald Trump for their support.

“A special thank you to the people of Israel for their warm embrace, unwavering support, and the strength they gave us during our darkest moments. We also extend our gratitude to President Trump for his significant involvement and support, which meant so much to us.”

A Hamas official confirmed the release of four of the seven remaining female Israeli hostages on Saturday, January 25th, according to reports.

The agreement involves Hamas gradually releasing 33 Israeli hostages from Gaza over six weeks in exchange for Israel releasing approximately 2,000 prisoners and detainees from the West Bank and Gaza.

As part of this deal, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Damari, Goren, and Steinbrecher. Celebratory crowds of Palestinians in the West Bank cheered and some reportedly waved Hamas flags upon the detainees’ return.

On Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a leadership restructuring as Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Halevi, submitted his resignation, intending to leave his post later this year.

“I informed the Minister of Defense today (Tuesday) that by virtue of my recognition of my responsibility for the IDF’s failure on October 7th, and at a time when the IDF has significant achievements and is in the process of implementing the agreement to release our hostages, I have requested to leave my role on March 6th, 2025,” Halevi stated in an IDF press release.

“Until then, I will complete the IDF’s inquiries into the events of October 7th and strengthen the IDF’s readiness for security challenges.”

In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “I would like to express my appreciation to the Chief of Staff and thank him for his contribution to the IDF throughout his years of service as a fighter and as a commander, and for his part in the great achievements of the IDF in the difficult war that was forced upon us.”

Netanyahu also praised Halevi’s service, acknowledging his role in some of the country’s “great achievements.”