First three leave hospital

(JNS) - The first three female hostages freed by Hamas terrorists during the current ceasefire have been released from the hospital, Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer in Ramat Gan announced on Sunday.

Former Gaza captives Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, completed their tests and initial medical treatment at the hospital, according to the statement, which noted that "Sheba Medical Center will continue to support them and their families."

The ex-hostages and their relatives were expected to move to the nearby Kfar Maccabiah Hotel following their release as they need continued medical follow-up.

Gonen, Damari and Steinbrecher were handed over by Hamas terrorists to a team of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza on Jan. 19, as part of the ceasefire agreement with the terrorist group.

Following an initial medical examination and reunion with their mothers at the Israel Defense Forces reception point near the Gaza border and their subsequent transfer to the hospital via helicopter, Sheba Medical Center General Hospital Director Dr. Yael Frenkel Nir told reporters that the women's physical condition was good enough to allow them to focus on reuniting with other family members.

Damari lost two of her fingers when she was shot by Hamas gunmen during the Oct. 7, 2023, kidnapping from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza.

In a Channel 12 report vetted by Israel's military censor and approved by the hostages that was published on Jan. 20, the three released captives recalled being held in underground facilities for 471 days with little medical attention, tremendous uncertainty and, at times, despair.