The planned 8:30 AM ceasefire failed to begin as Hamas delayed providing the list of hostages, prompting Netanyahu to postpone implementation. IDF announced retrieving fallen soldier Oron Shaul's body from Gaza after a decade-long intelligence operation.
By afternoon, Hamas transferred the names of three women - Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher - through Qatari mediation. The Red Cross received the hostages around 15:00, facilitating their transfer to IDF custody. The women crossed into Israel by 16:00, meeting their mothers at Reim base before being airlifted to Sheba Medical Center.
The release marks the first hostage transfer since November, implementing the agreement approved yesterday despite Ben-Gvir's resignation threat. Reports indicate Emily Damari lost two fingers during her October 7 capture. The next group of releases is scheduled for Saturday.