Gaza Ceasefire Frees Hostages, Palestinian Prisoners Exchanged/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A Gaza ceasefire led to Hamas releasing 20 hostages and Israel freeing over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Families on both sides reacted with relief and celebration. The agreement marks a major step in ending two years of war.
Gaza Ceasefire Hostage Exchange Quick Looks
- Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza.
- Israel freed more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners as part of the truce.
- Hostages returned to Israel for reunions and medical checks.
- Prisoner release greeted by large crowds in Beitunia and Gaza.
- Ceasefire ends two years of war that killed over 67,000 Palestinians.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu says he’s committed to peace.
- Trump expected to address Israeli Knesset and attend a Gaza summit in Egypt.
- Trump brokered the ceasefire deal, calling it a pathway to broader peace.
- Humanitarian aid surge expected in Gaza amid famine and destruction.
- Future of Hamas, Gaza governance, and regional security remains unresolved.
Gaza Ceasefire Frees Hostages, Palestinian Prisoners Exchanged
Deep Look
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The long-awaited Gaza ceasefire took effect Monday with a powerful and symbolic exchange: Hamas released 20 living hostages, all men, back to Israel, while Israel began freeing over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, ending one of the most violent chapters in the region’s history.
The exchange occurred as part of a U.S.-brokered truce, marking a rare moment of relief after two years of devastating war that left tens of thousands dead and entire neighborhoods in ruins. The ceasefire brings a temporary halt to a conflict that began with Hamas’ surprise October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel and spiraled into a humanitarian disaster for Gaza.
Scenes of Joy and Relief
In Tel Aviv, crowds erupted in cheers in Hostage Square as news of the hostages’ release spread across Israel. Families and supporters, many of whom had protested for months demanding government action, broke into sobs and applause when Israeli TV channels confirmed that the captives were in Red Cross custody.
Photos released by Israeli authorities showed hostages, including 28-year-old twins Gali and Ziv Berman, reuniting with loved ones. While looking pale, they appeared healthier than many feared, sparking emotional scenes of relief.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank town of Beitunia, thousands celebrated as buses carrying Palestinian prisoners arrived. Waving flags and chanting, crowds welcomed back relatives, some of whom had been imprisoned for decades.
The Hamas-run Prisoners Office confirmed the release included 250 prisoners serving life sentences, as well as 1,700 detainees seized during the war, many of whom had been held without charges.
Netanyahu and Trump Hail Ceasefire
In a speech to the Israeli Knesset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he remained “committed to this peace” but warned that Israel would remain vigilant. He noted that although the war is paused, many challenges — especially regarding the future of Hamas and security arrangements — remain.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who brokered the deal after months of shuttle diplomacy, arrived in Israel Monday. He is expected to address the Knesset and meet with newly released hostages. “The war is over,” Trump told reporters before departing for Egypt, where he will lead a regional summit focused on Gaza’s postwar future.
Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Trump’s agenda includes meetings with regional leaders and discussions about a new security and governance framework for Gaza.
A War’s Toll and a Complex Recovery Ahead
The war, sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages, escalated into the deadliest conflict between Israel and Hamas to date. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed — roughly half of them women and children. The ministry is overseen by Hamas but is widely regarded by the UN and human rights organizations as the most consistent source of casualty data.
With nearly 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents displaced, infrastructure decimated, and famine spreading, the ceasefire is also expected to unlock massive humanitarian aid shipments, including food, medicine, and fuel.
U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described the situation starkly: “Much of Gaza is a wasteland.”
Challenges Persist Amid Relief
Despite the ceasefire and prisoner exchange, not all families found closure. According to the Hostages Family Forum, only four bodies of deceased hostages are expected to be returned Monday.
“We are shocked and dismayed that so few are coming back,” the group said in a statement.
An international task force is now mobilizing to locate other hostages presumed dead. Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for hostages and missing persons, stated that any body not returned within 72 hours would trigger coordinated search efforts.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the West Bank, where an Israeli armored vehicle reportedly fired tear gas and rubber bullets at a crowd waiting for prisoner releases. A flyer circulated by Israeli authorities warned that anyone supporting “terrorist organizations” could face arrest.
The Future of Gaza and Regional Diplomacy
The most pressing question is who will govern Gaza moving forward. Under the U.S. plan, an international body, supported by Arab nations, will oversee the territory. Palestinian technocrats, unaffiliated with Hamas or Fatah, would manage day-to-day affairs, with Palestinian police trained by Egypt and Jordan taking over internal security.
The plan also proposes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces as international and local security personnel deploy. Currently, Israeli troops remain in Rafah, northern Gaza, and along much of the border.
The plan further envisions a reformed Palestinian Authority eventually taking a leadership role — a point of contention with Netanyahu, who has long opposed Palestinian statehood.
An Arab-led security force and roughly 200 U.S. troops are already present to monitor the ceasefire.
Trump’s Regional Summit in Egypt
Following his Israel visit, Trump travels to Egypt where he and President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi will host a high-level summit with over 20 world leaders. The agenda includes rebuilding Gaza, containing regional instability, and laying the groundwork for a broader Middle East peace process.
Among those expected to attend are Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, as well as senior figures from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office initially confirmed Netanyahu would attend, but later said he would not, citing a Jewish holiday.
Path Ahead Still Unclear
While the ceasefire is a diplomatic breakthrough, many details remain unsettled. Hamas has refused to disarm, while Israel insists on full demilitarization as a condition for lasting peace. The return of Israeli troops to Gaza in the future remains a possibility if security arrangements fail.
Still, the release of hostages and prisoners has provided a glimmer of hope to millions affected by the conflict.
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