They’re free! Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza on Monday. Israel began releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The exchange raises hopes for ending the deadly war between Israel and the terrorist group.
Families and friends of the hostages cried with joy and relief as news arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel, that the captives were free. Tens of thousands of Israelis watched the transfers at public screenings across the country. Some broke into wild cheers.
The hostages, all men, will reunite with family and undergo medical checks. The first seven hostages looked pale but less gaunt than some hostages freed in January.
The bodies of the remaining 28 hostages are also expected to be returned as part of the deal. Gal Hirsch is Israel’s coordinator for the hostages and the missing. Hirsch says a global task force will work to locate deceased hostages not returned within 72 hours.
Meanwhile, buses carrying dozens of freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in Beitunia, near the West Bank city of Ramallah. The Hamas-run Prisoners Office says Israel has begun releasing more than 1,900 prisoners and detainees as part of the ceasefire deal.
Earlier, while Palestinians awaited the release of prisoners, an armored vehicle flying an Israeli flag fired tear gas and rubber bullets at a crowd in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. As drones buzzed overhead, the group scattered.
Before that, a flyer circulated. It warned that anyone supporting “terrorist organizations” risked arrest. Israel’s military did not respond to questions about the flyer.
Palestinian prisoners being released include 250 people serving life sentences for convictions in attacks on Israelis and 1,700 detained during the war and held without charge.
The war began when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and 251 taken hostage.
Israel struck back. The ensuing war has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians—both civilians and combatants—according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry is part of the terrorist Hamas-run government. However, the United Nations and a number of independent experts consider its figures reliable.
The war has destroyed large swaths of Gaza and displaced about 90% of its some two million residents. Aid agencies are ramping up to deliver a surge of food and other aid to the devastated territory.
For Israel, the return of the living hostages ends a painful chapter. Since the attack that ignited the war, newscasts have marked the hostages’ days in captivity. Israelis worldwide wore yellow pins and ribbons in solidarity. Tens of thousands have joined families of hostages in weekly protests calling for the hostages’ release.
Last week, under heavy global pressure, Israel and Hamas agreed to the ceasefire.
But the future of Gaza remains unclear. Under the U.S. plan, a global body will oversee the territory. Hamas says Gaza’s government should be worked out among Palestinians.
Israel insists that Hamas disarm. Hamas refuses and demands that Israel pulls its troops completely out of Gaza.
The plan also mentions a possible future Palestinian state. But that is a nonstarter for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Still, Netanyahu pledged that he is “committed to this peace” in a speech to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament.
U.S. President Donald Trump heads next to Egypt. He and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi will lead a summit with leaders from more than 20 countries. They will discuss the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East.
“The war is over,” President Trump told reporters. But his ceasefire deal leaves many unanswered questions about the future of Hamas and Gaza.
Pray for continuing peace in the region.
