Israel has confirmed the return of the last 20 surviving hostages who had been held captive in Gaza for two years, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict. The hostages’ release coincided with a notable visit from US President Donald Trump, who received a standing ovation from Israeli lawmakers after playing a critical role in brokering a ceasefire with Hamas.
During his brief but impactful visit to Israel, Trump declared the war in Gaza “over” and emphasized the importance of moving towards peace. This visit preceded a summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, where he will co-chair discussions aimed at fostering stability in the region.
In Tel Aviv, families of the hostages gathered in large numbers, expressing a mix of joy and sorrow. When news of the initial releases came through, the atmosphere shifted to one of celebration, although the painful reality of those who did not return loomed large. “I’m torn between emotion and sadness for those who won’t be coming back,” said Noga, a local who shared in the bittersweet moment.
The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for Israel to release nearly 2,000 prisoners held in its jails, among them 250 security detainees, including individuals convicted of violence against Israelis. Additionally, Hamas is set to return the remains of 27 deceased hostages, as well as a soldier who was killed in a previous conflict in 2014.
The backdrop to these developments includes the events of October 7, 2023, when militants from Hamas seized a total of 251 hostages during an unprecedented assault that resulted in the loss of 1,219 lives. Most of those casualties were civilians, leaving families of the remaining hostages in a prolonged state of distress.
In Ramallah, crowds convened to welcome home the first buses carrying freed prisoners, celebrating with chants of “Allahu akbar.” Israel’s foreign ministry took to social media platform X to express their relief and expectation for a peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the ceasefire brought both relief and challenges. Fatima Salem, who returned to her neighborhood in Gaza City, described the devastation: “My eyes kept searching for landmarks I had lost — nothing looked the same.” Despite the ruin, she expressed a longing for her home, now reduced to rubble, where she aims to pitch a tent and wait for reconstruction efforts.
During his trip, Trump addressed reporters from Air Force One, expressing confidence in the longevity of the ceasefire. “I think it’s going to hold. I think people are tired of it. It’s been centuries,” he asserted.
The atmosphere of uncertainty looms over the ongoing negotiations, which involve the delicate matter of prisoner exchanges and the future governance of Gaza. During his visit, Trump was scheduled to meet with families of hostages before addressing the Knesset in Jerusalem.
While discussions continue, Trump’s earlier 20-point plan for Gaza is expected to play a role in achieving a sustainable peace. Crucially, it includes provisions for establishing a multinational force in the region to oversee the transition, aiming to help stabilize the area following Israel’s partial withdrawal.
As these negotiation efforts unfold, Hamas has urged all mediators to ensure that Israel does not resume its military operations in Gaza. The impact of the conflict has been devastating, with reports indicating over 67,000 fatalities in Gaza, a significant portion of whom are women and children according to the health ministry there.
The future remains uncertain, with key figures like Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas set to attend the upcoming summit in Egypt, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will abstain due to a coinciding religious holiday. The dynamics of the situation continue to evolve as leaders seek a path forward amidst ongoing tensions and the pressing need for humanitarian relief.
