After extended and complex discussions, Israel is preparing to launch the first stage of a major agreement to secure the release of hostages. The initial phase, scheduled to commence on Sunday, January 19, 2025, involves the liberation of 33 hostages over a period of 42 days. Those being freed include women, children, elderly individuals, and people with critical medical needs.

The process begins on January 19 with the release of three hostages. Additional hostages will be freed weekly, prioritizing women and children. This stage will culminate with the release of Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who have been held in captivity for an extended period.

The agreement, however, has sparked significant controversy due to its terms. It involves the release of approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, 200 of whom are classified as having “blood on their hands.” The deal also includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from strategic positions.

The hostages slated for release include the following:

Romi Gonen (24): A vivacious and sociable young woman, Gonen was kidnapped from a music festival in Re’im, where three of her companions were tragically killed.

Emily Demari (28): Known for her warm and friendly nature, Demari was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, where she lived alone and was deeply cherished by her community.

Arbel Yehud (29): Taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz, Yehud, an avid astronomy enthusiast and educator, was abducted alongside her partner, leaving a void in her community.

Doron Steinbrecher (31): A veterinary nurse from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, Steinbrecher requires daily medication to manage a chronic health condition.

Ariel Bibas (4) and Kfir Bibas (9 months at the time of their abduction): These young children were kidnapped along with their mother, Shiri Bibas (33), from Kibbutz Nir Oz. A video documenting their abduction became a harrowing emblem of the conflict.

Liri Albag (19): An IDF observer, Albag was taken from a shelter in Nahal Oz while still dressed in her pajamas.

Karina Aryev (20): Another IDF observer known for her kind and gentle demeanor, Aryev was also captured at Nahal Oz.

Agam Berger (20): A talented violinist and observer, Berger was abducted from Nahal Oz.

Daniela Gilboa (20): A singer-songwriter and observer who was captured at Nahal Oz. She later made a heartfelt appeal to her family in a video released by Hamas.

Naama Levy (20): A strong-willed and athletic observer from Nahal Oz, Levy was known for her passion for sports.

Ohad Ben-Ami (55): Ben-Ami and his wife, Raz, were taken from their home in Be’eri during the attack.

Gadi Moses (80): A retired agronomist and prominent community figure, Moses was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Keith Siegel (65): An occupational therapist from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Siegel is remembered for his deep appreciation of nature and dedication to his family.

Ofer Calderon (53): Calderon, a carpenter from Nir Oz, was abducted along with his children.

Eli Sherabi (52): Sherabi was taken from his home in Bari after his wife and daughters were tragically killed in the attack.

Itzik Elgart (69): A veteran resident of Nir Oz, Elgart was kidnapped after sustaining injuries and attempting to administer first aid to himself.

Shlomo Mansour (86): A Holocaust survivor and one of the founding members of Kibbutz Kisufim, Mansour’s abduction underscores the human toll of the conflict.

Ohad Yahalomi (50): An environmental advocate and athlete, Yahalomi was taken from Nir Oz.

Oded Lifshitz (83): A former journalist and human rights advocate, Lifshitz was kidnapped along with his wife, who has since been released.

Tzachi Idan (50): Idan was abducted from Nahal Oz after being separated from his family.

Hisham al-Sayed (35): An Israeli Bedouin with mental health challenges, al-Sayed has been held captive since 2015.

Avera Mengistu (37): Mengistu, an Israeli man with mental health issues, has been in captivity since he crossed into Gaza in 2014.

Jordan Bibas (34): Bibas was taken along with his family from Nir Oz.

Shagai Dekel-Chen (36): A social entrepreneur from Kibbutz Be’eri, Dekel-Chen is known for creating a mobile grocery store to serve underprivileged areas.

Yair Horn (46): A beloved member of the Nir Oz community, Horn is remembered for his humor and leadership.

Omer Wenkrat (23): Despite grappling with a chronic illness, Wenkrat was abducted from the Re’im festival.

Sasha Trofanov (29): Trofanov, an Amazon engineer, was kidnapped along with his mother, grandmother, and partner.

Eliya Cohen (27): A former event producer, Cohen was abducted from the Re’im festival.

Or Levi (34): Levi was taken from a shelter during the attack, which also claimed the life of his wife.