Middle East updates: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire extended to Feb. 18

Israel, Lebanon and the U.S. are negotiating the release of Lebanese prisoners.

ByDavid Brennan, Nadine El-Bawab, Jon Haworth, Kevin Shalvey, and Bill Hutchinson
Last Updated: January 26, 2025, 7:39 PM EST

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza went into effect a week ago. Hostages held in the strip and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started to be released under the multi-phased deal.

Meanwhile, the November ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. Israeli forces also remain active inside the Syrian border region as victorious rebels there build a transitional government.

Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 20, 2025, 5:08 AM EST

Freed hostage is 'happiest girl in the world,' mother says

Mandy Damari, the mother of Emily Damari -- who was among the three Israeli captives freed from Gaza on Sunday -- released a statement thanking all those involved in her daughter's release "from the bottom of my heart."

Released British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari hugs her mother Amanda at an undisclosed location in Israel, Jan. 19, 2025.
Israeli Army/AFP via Getty Image

"Yesterday, I was finally able to give Emily the hug that I have been dreaming of," Mandy said in a statement shared by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters.

"I am relieved to report that after her release, Emily is doing much better than any of us could ever have anticipated," she added.

"In Emily's own words, she is the happiest girl in the world; she has her life back," Mandy said.

"In this incredibly happy moment for our family, we must also remember that 94 other hostages still remain," she added. "The ceasefire must continue and every last hostage must be returned to their families."

-ABC News' Anna Burd

Jan 19, 2025, 6:59 PM EST

Released Palestinian prisoners arrive in the West Bank amid high tensions

Tensions were high as people waited in Beitunia, in the West Bank, for the arrival of the 90 Palestinian prisoners who were released from Israeli custody just after 1 a.m. local time.

Israeli forces used cars and tear gas to attempt to clear the roads, ABC News reporters on the scene said.

ABC News' team saw flash bangs where people were gathered waiting for the prisoners’ release.

Israeli Police did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment on the matter.

PHOTO: Freed Palestinian prisoners ride in a bus after their release from an Israeli jail as part of a hostages-prisoners swap between Hamas and Israel, outside the Israeli military prison, Ofer, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Jan. 20, 2025.
Freed Palestinian prisoners ride in a bus after their release from an Israeli jail as part of a hostages-prisoners swap between Hamas and Israel, outside the Israeli military prison, Ofer, near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Jan. 20, 2025.
Ammar Awad/Reuters

The prisoners were released from Ofer Prison in Ramallah, West Bank, as a part of the hostage exchange and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

People were seen on top of the buses waving flags and chanting as the prisoners arrived in Beitunia at approximately 1:42 a.m.

-ABC News' Ellie Kaufman, as well as Tom Soufi Burridge and Hugo Leenhardt in the West Bank

Jan 19, 2025, 1:55 PM EST

Photos show 3 Israeli former hostages reunited with their mothers

Photos were released by Israeli officials on Sunday showing the three released hostages hugging their mothers as they were reunited.

The images showed former hostages Romi Gonen, 24; Emily Damari, 28; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, all sharing emotional embraces with their mothers.

Hostage Doron Steinbrecher reunites with her mother in Israel after being released by Hamas militants, Jan. 19, 2025.
IDF

Hostage Romi Gonen reunites with her mother in Israel after being released by Hamas militants, Jan. 19, 2025.
IDF

Hostage Emily Damari reunites with her mother in Israel after being released by Hamas militants, Jan. 19, 2025.
IDF

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