Hamas freed all 20 remaining living hostages in Gaza on Monday as Israel began releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, marking the start of a landmark ceasefire deal
Jerusalem: The Gaza ceasefire represents the first comprehensive truce in two years of conflict that devastated the Strip and destabilised the wider region. The exchange of hostages and prisoners has been a key condition of the agreement, aimed at fostering trust before larger political negotiations on Gaza’s governance and reconstruction.
Trump’s diplomatic intervention, alongside Egypt and Qatar, has positioned Washington at the centre of Middle East peace efforts. The upcoming Sharm El-Sheikh summit is expected to shape post-war arrangements, including plans for humanitarian corridors, rebuilding infrastructure, and possible future statehood discussions.
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While the ceasefire has raised hopes for peace, analysts warn that deep divisions between Israel, Hamas, and other Palestinian factions could threaten its longevity.
Hostage-prisoner exchange signals first phase of peace deal
Hamas released all 20 surviving Israeli hostages held in Gaza as part of a ceasefire deal that also saw Israel begin releasing 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The agreement, brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, pauses two years of intense warfare that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and left Gaza in ruins.
Crowds in the West Bank cheered as buses carrying freed prisoners arrived in Beitunia and Khan Yunis, while families of hostages celebrated their return in Tel Aviv. Israeli authorities confirmed that all living hostages had been safely brought home and were undergoing medical checks. The remains of 28 others killed in captivity are expected to be returned in the coming days.
The released prisoners include 250 people convicted of attacks on Israelis and 1,700 detainees held since the conflict began. Egyptian officials said that more than 150 of those freed were sent to Egypt and then entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Also read: Where is Bipin Joshi? Nepali student still missing in Gaza rubble amidst Hamas–Israel truce
Trump’s visit and message of peace
US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel to mark the beginning of the ceasefire, addressing the Knesset with what he called a “historic dawn of a new Middle East.” His visit came ahead of a major peace summit in Egypt, co-chaired with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
In his speech, Trump hailed the hostage release as “an incredible triumph for Israel and the world,” crediting Arab and Muslim mediators for their role. He urged Palestinians to “turn forever from the path of terror” and reaffirmed US support for Israel’s security, saying, “The long and painful nightmare is finally over.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who received Trump with a standing ovation, said Israel was “committed to this peace” and called the truce a moment of “hope after years of suffering.”
Summit in Egypt to finalise end of war
Trump and Sisi are expected to lead world leaders at the Sharm El-Sheikh summit to discuss Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction. The Egyptian presidency described the event as “historic,” with a “document formally ending the war” expected to be signed.
Although Hamas will not attend, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will participate, along with leaders from the UN, EU, Arab League, India, Germany, France, Turkey, and the UK.
Israel’s Netanyahu will reportedly skip the event due to a Jewish holiday.
The future of Gaza and Hamas’ role
A Hamas official told AFP that the group would no longer govern Gaza but “remains part of the Palestinian fabric.” Hamas has agreed to a long-term truce but rejected full disarmament. Under the proposed US-led plan, Gaza’s administration would be run by Palestinian technocrats under an international supervisory body, supported by an Arab-led security force.
Humanitarian aid begins to flow into Gaza
More than 200 aid trucks have entered Gaza since the ceasefire took effect, bringing much-needed relief after months of bombardment and shortages. The United Nations has warned that several areas in Gaza face famine conditions, while over 90% of residents have been displaced.
The Hamas-run health ministry said the war had killed 67,869 Palestinians, about half of them women and children. The UN considers these figures credible.
A fragile but hopeful peace
The ceasefire marks the most significant breakthrough since the 2023 war began with Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. As both sides begin releasing captives, the world watches to see whether this fragile truce can hold and pave the way for a lasting peace in the Middle East.
(With agency inputs)
Published: 13 Oct 2025, 06:39 pm IST
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