Twenty hostages held by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody were released on Monday as part of a ceasefire agreement ending two years of conflict in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties among Palestinians.
Under the deal, Hamas also agreed to return the bodies of four out of 28 deceased prisoners, while the release of the remaining bodies was pending. Israel, on its part, freed over 1,900 Palestinian detainees as a part of the ceasefire terms.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his commitment to the peace process during a parliamentary address, hinting at a potential resolution to the destructive war that had repercussions across the Middle East. However, key issues such as Hamas disarmament and governance in Gaza remain unresolved.
Crowds jubilantly welcomed the released prisoners in the West Bank and Gaza, while in Tel Aviv, families and supporters of the hostages rejoiced upon learning of their freedom.
Simultaneously, U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Israel to commemorate the mediated ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which he hailed as a significant step towards lasting peace in the region.
Following his engagements in Israel, Trump proceeded to Egypt for discussions on the proposed peace plan and postwar strategies with various world leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The conflict began with a surprise assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages, as per Israeli reports.
Israel’s subsequent military campaign claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The toll is likely to rise as more bodies are recovered from previously inaccessible areas due to the conflict.
Friends and families rejoice over the release of 20 Israeli hostages following a peace deal with Hamas. Only four of the deceased hostages have been returned, with no timeline set for the remaining bodies.
Long Path Ahead for Gaza Despite Ceasefire
While uncertainties linger regarding the future of Hamas and Gaza, the prisoner exchange and hostage release offer hope