Ceasefire Brings Fragile Calm to Gaza
For the third consecutive day, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held firm, offering a rare moment of calm to war-weary Palestinians.
Thousands of civilians made their way north toward Gaza City, the heart of two months of devastating attacks, clinging to hope that peace might finally be within reach.
“There is joy among the people,” said resident Abdou Abu Seada, “but we are also exhausted after years of suffering and destruction.”
Hostage Exchange Expected to Begin Monday
According to Israeli officials, 20 living hostages are expected to be freed early Monday, followed by the transfer of 28 bodies belonging to deceased captives.
Government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian confirmed Israel was fully prepared to receive the hostages whenever Hamas begins the release.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Hamas must release all remaining hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks by noon Monday.
Trump’s Visit and Global Diplomacy
U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday to address the Knesset (Israeli parliament).
After his speech, he will head to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to join world leaders in discussions aimed at ending the Gaza conflict.
Trump’s aides, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, spoke at a rally in Tel Aviv over the weekend — a gathering many Israelis hope will be the final call for hostages’ release and lasting peace.
Mediators from the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey helped broker this first-phase deal between Israel and Hamas — involving a ceasefire and a mutual exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Prisoner Releases and Lingering Tensions
Israel has transferred hundreds of Palestinian prisoners to new facilities in preparation for their release.
A list of 250 prisoners, including individuals convicted of serious crimes, was published by Israel’s Ministry of Justice.
While senior Hamas figures are not among them, ongoing discussions suggest more names could be added in later stages.
Israel also plans to release 1,700 Palestinians detained in Gaza, 22 minors, and the bodies of 360 militants once hostages safely return home.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that once the hostages are freed, Israel will continue operations to destroy Hamas tunnels beneath Gaza.
Gazans Return to Devastation
As displaced Palestinians return north, many are met with unimaginable scenes of destruction.
Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, with unexploded bombs posing serious danger.
Humanitarian leader Amjad Al Shawa estimated that at least 300,000 tents are needed to shelter 1.5 million displaced people.
“I am happy to return home,” said Rami Mohammad-Ali, who walked 15 km with his son from Deir Al Balah to Gaza City.
“But seeing bodies on the roads and destroyed houses breaks our hearts.”