RAMALLAH, West Bank. The first three Israeli hostages were released from Gaza, while 90 Palestinian prisoners were freed from Israeli custody as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday.
The ceasefire has raised hopes for a peaceful resolution to the devastating conflict and the release of nearly 100 remaining hostages abducted in Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. However, concerns linger about whether the truce will hold beyond the first six weeks.
The first hostages, Emily Damari, 28; Romi Gonen, 24; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City amidst a tense exchange. Videos captured the three women surrounded by a crowd of thousands and armed Hamas militants wearing green headbands.
Once in Israeli custody, the women were reunited with their families. Damari, who lost two fingers in the October 7 attack, was seen raising her bandaged hand in triumph. In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis erupted in applause as the news of their release was broadcast on large screens.
“An entire nation embraces you,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hours later, Palestinian prisoners were released under Israeli security warnings against public celebrations. Despite the late-night timing, large crowds gathered to greet the freed detainees, waving flags and chanting “God is great.” Fireworks lit the skies as families reunited with their loved ones.
Among the released was Khalida Jarrar, 62, a prominent detainee from a secular leftist faction. Jarrar had been held under administrative detention orders criticized by human rights groups.
The ceasefire, which began Sunday morning, includes the release of 33 more hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners over its 42-day first phase. Talks on a more challenging second phase are set to begin in two weeks. This ceasefire follows a shorter, weeklong truce in November 2023 but carries the potential to end the conflict permanently.
Netanyahu, under pressure from U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to finalize a deal before Monday’s U.S. inauguration, stated that Trump supports Israel resuming military action if necessary. Meanwhile, hardline Israeli politicians criticized the ceasefire, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir resigning in protest.
Across Gaza, residents began returning to destroyed neighborhoods. Ahmed al-Sufi, head of Rafah’s municipality, reported that water, electricity, roads, and thousands of homes had been obliterated. Humanitarian aid surged into the territory, with over 630 trucks entering on Sunday, providing relief to the displaced population.
The war’s toll has been staggering. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 46,000 fatalities, with women and children making up more than half of the deaths. The conflict began with Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,200 civilians and militants and led to the abduction of around 250 hostages.
Public opinion in Israel remains divided. Some, like Asher Pizem from Sderot, expressed skepticism about the ceasefire, viewing it as a temporary pause before another confrontation. Others celebrated the moment as a glimmer of hope.
For Gaza residents like Mohamed Abu Taha, who described the devastation as resembling “a Hollywood horror movie,” the ceasefire brings a mix of relief and grief. “This ceasefire was a joy mixed with pain because my son was martyred in this war,” said Rami Nofal, a displaced resident from Gaza City.
As Gaza faces years of rebuilding, the ceasefire’s success remains uncertain. The coming weeks will test the fragile truce and the resilience of those caught in the aftermath of war.
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 Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
