The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took its first significant leap forward, with three prisoners freed from Gaza and 90 Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli custody. The long-awaited ceasefire was agreed on Wednesday and began on Sunday morning after a brief delay as Israel sought a list of prisoners to be released by Hamas. The ceasefire agreement has raised cautious confidence in Gaza for an end to the 15-month-long war, however, many challenges remain as the detente agreement is in its early stages, which will see prisoner and detainee exchange arrangements being worked out. 3 Israeli prisoners released The three Israeli prisoners – Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher – were handed over to Rudi Kraus in Gaza City amid tense cheers. The women were surrounded by a crowd of thousands, including masked Hamas activists, and then walked back to their families in Israel. Damari, who lost two of her fingers during a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, raises her hands in victory.
Palestinian detainees released
Later, the first Palestinian detainees were freed from Israeli correctional facilities, sparking celebrations across the West Bank, although Israeli military officials reportedly warned against open displays of joy.
Among those released was Khalida Jarrar, 62, a member of a liberal group with a history of activist activities, who agreed, the Associated Press reports.
The ceasefire will last 42 days, with 33 prisoners and about 2,000 Palestinian detainees expected to be released in subsequent phases.
For the time being, the more difficult phase of negotiations is planned to begin in a little over two weeks, however, uncertainty remains over whether violence will continue after the initial phase.
As Israel begins to reduce its military presence in Gaza, aid organizations are stepping up efforts to address the terrible destruction caused by the war. More than 630 aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, carrying much-needed supplies headed for northern Gaza, where the devastation has been the worst.
A Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, launched Israel’s war on Gaza. The October 7 attack killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the attackers stole about 250 others from Israel. More than 100 prisoners were released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023.
In response, Israel’s operations have killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, agreeing with Gaza’s health service, which says women and children make up more than half of the number but does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
The war is said to have forced 90 percent of Gaza’s population to flee, leaving many parts in rubble. If the ceasefire reaches its final stage, it will take at least a few years to resettle Gaza.
