Hamas to release 4 women hostages in ceasefire deal
Jerusalem: Hamas announced on Tuesday its intention to release four Israeli women hostages in the next exchange with Israel, as part of a delicate truce aimed at halting 15 months of war in Gaza. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar and the United States, has provided a glimmer of hope for the devastated region, though scepticism remains high.
Trump claims credit
Newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump has taken credit for the agreement, despite his doubts about its longevity.
“That’s not our war; it’s their war. But I’m not confident,” Trump remarked on Tuesday.
His return to the White House marks the start of a historic second term, during which he has pledged staunch support for Israel. One of his first actions as president was to revoke sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, imposed by his predecessor Joe Biden.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump, expressing hope for continued collaboration.
“I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza,” Netanyahu stated.
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also extended gratitude, noting Trump’s “unwavering and uncompromising support” for Israel.
Hostage swap underway
Under the initial 42-day phase of the agreement, 33 hostages are set to be returned to Israel in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. On Sunday, the first exchange took place, with three Israeli women hostages reunited with their families and 90 Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli custody.
Hamas official Taher al-Nunu confirmed that four more Israeli women hostages will be freed on Saturday as part of the next swap.
“With or without Trump,” said displaced Gazan resident Ghadeer Abdul Rabbo, “we hope the ceasefire will hold and world governments will maintain this calm, because we are afraid.”
Relief amid the rubble in Gaza
In Gaza, humanitarian aid has begun to flow into the battered region. More than 900 trucks carrying essential supplies entered the territory on Monday, following 630 trucks the day before. Qatar, which played a key role in the negotiations, has facilitated the delivery of 12.5 million litres of fuel over the first 10 days of the ceasefire.
Displaced Palestinians are cautiously optimistic.
“We have endured immense hardships, but we will stay here. We will rebuild this place,” said Ismail Madi from Rafah in southern Gaza.
Ammar Barbakh, 35, spent the first night of the ceasefire sleeping in a tent on the rubble of his home.
“This is the first time I sleep comfortably and I’m not afraid,” he shared. “It’s a beautiful feeling, and I hope the ceasefire continues.”
Pain and joy in Israel
The return of hostages brought a mix of relief and elation in Israel. Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher were reunited with their families on Sunday.
“In Emily’s own words, she is the happiest girl in the world; she has her life back,” said Damari’s mother, Mandy.
“She is doing much better than any of us could have expected,” she added, despite her daughter’s physical injuries, including the loss of two fingers.
However, there is anxiety about the upcoming phases of the truce.
“Some of them will arrive on gurneys and wheelchairs. Others will arrive in coffins. Some will arrive wounded and injured, in dire emotional condition,” wrote columnist Sima Kadmon in Yedioth Ahronoth, reflecting the heavy toll of captivity.
Prisoner releases bring jubilation
On Monday, the first group of Palestinian prisoners was released from Ofer prison in the West Bank. Celebrations erupted in Beitunia as families welcomed their loved ones. Khalida Jarrar, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, described her six-month solitary confinement as “hell, hell, hell.”
Abdul Aziz Muhammad Atawneh, another released detainee, echoed similar sentiments, calling his time in prison “a nightmare.”
Devastation and hope
The 15-month war has left much of Gaza in ruins and displaced most of its 2.4 million residents. Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which initiated the conflict, resulted in 1,210 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the war has claimed 46,913 lives, predominantly civilians, figures that the United Nations deems reliable.
While challenges loom large, the ceasefire has kindled a flicker of hope. As Ghadeer Abdul Rabbo summed up, “We are afraid, but we are also hopeful. The world needs to help maintain this calm.”
AFP