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Israel and Hamas took a major step toward ending their two-year war on Monday by releasing hostages and prisoners under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement. The move raised hopes that the fragile truce could lead to lasting peace in Gaza, though key issues — such as Hamas’ disarmament, Gaza’s future leadership, and Palestinian statehood — remain unresolved.
For Israelis, the release of the 20 remaining living hostages brought immense relief and emotional reunions after years of fear and uncertainty. Four deceased hostages were also returned, with 24 more bodies expected in the coming days. Under the agreement, Israel will also allow large amounts of humanitarian aid into Gaza, a territory left devastated by months of war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deal a success, saying it fulfilled Israel’s war objectives — freeing hostages and weakening Hamas. However, critics accused him of prolonging the war for political gain, which he denied.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliation killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, whose figures are widely cited by the U.N. and humanitarian organizations. The war also destabilized the wider Middle East, sparking clashes between Israel, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran, and other armed groups.
In Israel, thousands gathered in public spaces to watch live broadcasts of the freed hostages returning home. Families embraced amid tears and cheers. “You are alive! Two arms and two legs,” shouted one father, overcome with emotion after reuniting with his son. Another father, who uses a wheelchair, stood to hug his son for the first time in two years. The return of the hostages eased public pressure on Netanyahu to continue negotiating with Hamas, though the families of deceased captives continue to demand justice and closure.
Meanwhile, celebrations erupted across Gaza and the West Bank as about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners were freed, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 others detained during the war without charge. The prisoners were welcomed as heroes by crowds waving flags and chanting slogans. “Praise be to God, who has honored us with this release,” said one man freed from detention. Prisoners hold deep symbolic value for Palestinians, many of whom have relatives who have been jailed by Israel over the years.
U.S. President Donald Trump traveled to Israel and Egypt to mark the ceasefire deal, calling it “a moment to turn military victory into peace.” In his address to the Israeli parliament, he urged leaders to seize the opportunity for regional stability, but his remarks were briefly interrupted by two lawmakers demanding recognition of Palestine. Later, Trump joined Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and other world leaders at a Cairo summit to discuss the next phase of the plan and Gaza’s future. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also attended.
Despite the celebrations, the road ahead remains uncertain. Israel insists that Hamas must disarm completely, while Hamas refuses and demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The U.S.-led plan proposes that an international body oversee Gaza temporarily, with Palestinian technocrats managing daily affairs and a future role for the Palestinian Authority — provided it undergoes reforms. The proposal also envisions an Arab-led international security force, supported by Palestinian police, to maintain peace as Israeli forces gradually withdraw. However, the idea of establishing a Palestinian state remains a major sticking point for Netanyahu’s government.
As Gaza begins its long recovery, much of the territory lies in ruins, with basic services destroyed and millions displaced. Who will fund reconstruction remains unclear, but for many war-weary families, the ceasefire offers a fragile but precious glimmer of hope after two years of relentless bloodshed.