JERUSALEM — Israel and Hamas took a critical first step in their fragile ceasefire agreement on Monday, freeing hostages and prisoners in a move that raised cautious optimism that the U.S.-brokered deal could eventually lead to a permanent end to the two-year war that has devastated Gaza.
Despite this breakthrough, major issues remain unresolved, including whether Hamas will disarm, who will govern Gaza, and the broader question of Palestinian statehood — underscoring the fragile nature of an agreement that, for now, only pauses the bloodiest conflict in Israeli-Palestinian history.
For Israelis, the release of the 20 remaining living hostages brought relief and jubilation. Public gatherings erupted in cheers as emotional reunions played out across the country. “You are alive! Two arms and two legs,” said Zvika Mor, embracing his son Eitan for the first time in two years. In another emotional reunion, Bar Kupershtein’s father, Tal, who uses a wheelchair, stood up briefly to hug his freed son.
Four deceased hostages were also returned on Monday, with another 24 expected to follow under the first phase of the ceasefire. The deal also commits Israel to allowing a surge of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, into Gaza.
In Gaza and the West Bank, the release of Palestinian prisoners sparked widespread celebrations. Crowds gathered in Beitunia and Khan Younis, waving flags and flashing V-for-victory signs. “Praise be to God, our Lord, who has honored us with this release and this joy,” said Mahmoud Fayez, a former detainee returned to Gaza after being arrested last year during an Israeli raid on Shifa Hospital.
The freed prisoners include 250 serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, along with 1,700 others detained from Gaza during the war and held without charge. In Palestinian society, where nearly every family has been affected by imprisonment, the return of detainees carries deep emotional and political weight.
U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to the region to commemorate the occasion, urging Israeli lawmakers to pursue lasting peace. “Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms,” Trump said in a speech to the Knesset. “Now it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.” His remarks were briefly interrupted when two members of parliament held up a sign reading “Recognize Palestine” before being escorted out.
In Egypt, Trump joined President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, and representatives from more than 20 nations to discuss next steps. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend due to a Jewish holiday, but he told parliament that he supported the deal, stating it “ends the war by achieving all our objectives.” Critics, however, have accused him of prolonging the war for political gain, an allegation he denies.
The conflict began with Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. Israel’s subsequent offensive killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, whose figures, though produced under Hamas’ administration, are considered credible by the United Nations and independent analysts.
The war has destabilized the wider Middle East, sparking clashes involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen, and direct hostilities with Iran.
Under the ceasefire plan, an international administration is expected to govern Gaza temporarily, with Palestinian technocrats handling daily affairs. The United States envisions an eventual role for the Palestinian Authority contingent on internal reforms alongside an Arab-led international security force and Palestinian police. About 200 U.S. troops are already in Israel to help monitor the truce.
Israel insists that Hamas must disarm before any long-term peace can take hold, while Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The Israeli military has so far pulled back from most of Gaza City, Khan Younis, and other areas but remains in Rafah, parts of northern Gaza, and along the border.
With Gaza in ruins and its reconstruction expected to take years, questions of governance, security, and sovereignty remain unresolved. The ceasefire, for now, offers only a fragile pause in a war that has left lasting scars on both sides.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
