First Hostages Released as Gaza Ceasefire Offers Hope Amid War \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The first three hostages released from Gaza arrived in Israel on Sunday, reuniting with their families as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold after 15 months of war. Palestinians awaited the release of prisoners held by Israel. The truce aims to provide six weeks of calm, hostages’ return, and humanitarian aid while sparking hopes for a broader resolution.
Gaza Ceasefire: Quick Looks
- Hostages Released: Three Israeli women returned to tearful family reunions after months in captivity.
- Prisoner Exchanges: 90 Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released as part of the agreement.
- Humanitarian Aid: Hundreds of trucks carrying vital supplies began entering Gaza.
- Immense Toll: Over 46,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis have been killed since October 2023.
- Divided Reactions: Israelis express mixed feelings about the ceasefire, with concerns over future conflicts.
Deep Look
The first phase of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas brought both relief and grief on Sunday as the initial hostages were freed and humanitarian aid began to flow into Gaza. This tentative truce, brokered after months of intense fighting and negotiation, has given hope for eventual peace but underscores the immense toll of the 15-month war.
Tearful Reunions as Hostages Return
The first hostages to be released under the ceasefire—28-year-old Emily Damari, 24-year-old Romi Gonen, and 31-year-old Doron Steinbrecher—arrived in Israel on Sunday to emotional reunions with their families.
Footage of the release showed the three women being handed over to the Red Cross on a Gaza City street. The scene was tense, with thousands of Palestinians watching as masked, armed men in green Hamas headbands escorted the women. From there, they were transferred to Israeli forces and brought to Sheba Medical Center, where they were declared stable.
Damari, an Israeli-British dual citizen, raised a bandaged hand in triumph despite losing two fingers in the attack that began the war. Steinbrecher holds Israeli and Romanian citizenship, while Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, where hundreds were killed.
In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis gathered in public squares erupted in applause upon hearing the news. For months, many had demanded a ceasefire and the return of hostages abducted in the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, saying, “An entire nation embraces you.”
Ceasefire’s Fragile Beginnings
The ceasefire began at 11:15 a.m. local time Sunday, following a last-minute delay by Hamas that postponed its start by three hours. The agreement includes a 42-day initial phase during which nearly 100 hostages are expected to be gradually released in exchange for the freedom of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, families of Palestinian prisoners gathered in anticipation of their loved ones’ release, waving flags and celebrating in the streets. However, delays in the prisoner release caused tension, with Israeli officials urging Palestinians to avoid riots or armed marches.
Humanitarian Aid Flows Into Gaza
The ceasefire has also allowed a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been devastated by the war. The United Nations World Food Program reported that hundreds of trucks began entering Gaza through two crossings on Sunday, a dramatic increase from the restricted aid flow during the conflict.
Brett McGurk, President Biden’s top Middle East adviser, stated that 800 trucks were expected to deliver supplies daily, including food, medicine, and essential items for displaced Palestinians.
Across Gaza, displaced residents expressed mixed emotions. “This ceasefire was a joy mixed with pain because my son was martyred in this war,” said Rami Nofal, a man from Gaza City.
Rebuilding Gaza Amid Destruction
The war has left Gaza in ruins, with entire neighborhoods destroyed and essential infrastructure, such as water and electricity, in shambles. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, more than half of whom were women and children. Additionally, 90% of the population has been displaced, and rebuilding efforts are expected to take years.
In Rafah, residents returning to their homes found massive destruction, with some uncovering human remains buried in the rubble. Mohamed Abu Taha, whose family home was reduced to ruins, described the devastation: “It’s like you see in a Hollywood horror movie.”
Israelis Divided Over Ceasefire
In Israel, reactions to the ceasefire were mixed. Some, like Asher Pizem from Sderot, criticized the agreement as a temporary measure that would allow Hamas to regroup and strike again. “They will take the time and attack again,” he said while viewing Gaza’s destruction from a hill in southern Israel.
Others welcomed the truce as a necessary step to bring hostages home and reduce the immense human suffering.
Political Implications
The ceasefire has also caused political ripples within Israel. Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power faction, announced his party’s departure from Netanyahu’s coalition in protest of the ceasefire. While this weakens the government’s majority, it is not expected to impact the ceasefire itself.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu assured the Israeli public that he had President-elect Donald Trump’s support to resume the war if necessary after the ceasefire’s initial phase.
What Lies Ahead
The ceasefire’s success hinges on negotiations in the coming weeks. While this initial truce is longer and more consequential than a brief weeklong pause in November 2023, major challenges remain. Will the truce hold, or will the conflict resume?
The agreement’s first phase calls for a gradual release of hostages and prisoners, along with expanded humanitarian aid. If successful, it could pave the way for a broader resolution to the conflict. However, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with obstacles, including the rebuilding of Gaza and addressing its uncertain political future.
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