Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

The three hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were released by Hamas on Sunday after 471 days of captivity. Their resilient faces told a story of their strength and determination. They walked unaided from Red Cross vehicles to waiting IDF officials, marking the beginning of Israel's historic cease-fire and hostage exchange agreement with Hamas.

The three women's return was celebrated across Israel. Mandy Damari, mother of British-Israeli Emily Damari, stated: "After 471 days, Emily is finally home. I want to thank everyone who never stopped fighting for Emily throughout this horrendous ordeal and who never stopped saying her name. In Israel, Britain, the United States, and around the world. Thank you for bringing Emily home. While Emily's nightmare in Gaza is over, for too many other families, the impossible wait continues. Every last hostage must be released, and humanitarian aid must be provided to the hostages who are still waiting to come home."

During a live broadcast, Eitan, Romi Gonen's father, recited the Jewish blessing "Shehecheyanu," expressing gratitude for his daughter's safe return. Meanwhile, Debora, Romi's grandmother, voiced both relief and anguish: "I've waited for this day, this is the reason I live for, to see my granddaughter come home. But my heart is with the families still waiting. We must bring them all home."

Ashley Waxman Bakshi, the cousin of Agam Berger, who is still held captive, captured the mixed emotions of the day. "After enduring hell, we desperately needed a moment to breathe and smile," Bakshi told Fox New Digital during a gathering in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where thousands came together to witness the first phase of the deal. "But this is only the beginning. We must continue until everyone is home."

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, described the moment as deeply emotional after receiving real-time updates from IDF Coordinator Brigadier General (Res.) Gal Hirsch. "These three women have endured unimaginable darkness," Netanyahu said on the call with Hirsch. "Today, they step into the light, free at last, thanks to the heroic sacrifices of our soldiers. We will not stop until every last hostage is returned."

Israel's President Isaac Herzog greeted three women with a message of hope: "Romi, Emily, and Doron—so cherished and longed for—an entire nation celebrates your return. This is a day of happiness and solace, and the start of a demanding journey of restoration and healing together." Herzog also recognized the anguish of families who are still awaiting updates on their loved ones, vowing that Israel will not rest until all hostages are safely returned.

The release of hostages is part of a U.S.-Qatar-Egypt-mediated deal, where Israel will free 90 Palestinian prisoners, some convicted of murder. However, critics are worried about the potential security risks of releasing individuals involved in terror attacks that resulted in Israeli deaths. Defense Minister Israel Katz acknowledged these concerns, stating, "This is a moment of hope, but we must remain vigilant. We will not rest until all hostages are returned, alive or for burial."

Today marks a step forward in the administration's commitment to supporting Israel and ensuring the deal's success, even as we acknowledge its complexity. President Joe Biden reiterated this commitment, stating that this deal must be seen through to its end. While the next administration will continue this work, today's actions demonstrate our dedication to its success.

While the deal brings hope, it also causes anxiety about its sustainability and potential repercussions. Critics doubt if Hamas will adhere to the terms of the multi-step agreement and fear that the release of dangerous prisoners may reignite violence.

The first phase of the agreement will last five weeks, with hostages and prisoners exchanged in carefully planned stages. Negotiations for the second phase will begin on the 16th day, focusing on the release of soldiers and young men, as well as the return of bodies. The IDF will maintain a presence in Gaza during this period, moving troops to a new security zone to oversee the deal's implementation.

The families of the 98 hostages held by Hamas found solace in Sunday's events, as they were reunited with their loved ones. However, Bakshi emphasized that this is only the beginning of a long journey to bring all hostages back home.