The release of three Israeli hostages on Sunday night was announced aboard all flights worldwide from the Israeli flag carrier El Al.
“I am pleased to report to you that at this moment the release of Romi, Doron and Emily and their return to Israel has begun,” an El Al control centre representative said, according to the company.
“El Al and all the Israeli people are waiting for the return home of all our brothers and sisters.”
Video footage from various flights shows passengers cheering and clapping enthusiastically in response to the announcements.
Armed Hamas members had previously handed over hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher in Gaza.
The three women had been held in captivity since being abducted from Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
People celebrate outside a hospital, where Freed Israeli hostages arrive in Ramat Gan after their release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. The first three hostages released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal have reached Israeli territory, the Israeli military said on Sunday, hours after the agreement took effect. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
People celebrate outside a hospital, where Freed Israeli hostages arrive in Ramat Gan after their release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. The first three hostages released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal have reached Israeli territory, the Israeli military said on Sunday, hours after the agreement took effect. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
People celebrate outside a hospital, where Freed Israeli hostages arrive in Ramat Gan after their release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip. The first three hostages released by Hamas under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal have reached Israeli territory, the Israeli military said on Sunday, hours after the agreement took effect. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
