Hamas Hands Over First Israeli Hostages as Gaza Ceasefire Begins

Hamas has released the first three Israeli hostages as part of a truce agreement intended to bring temporary relief to Gaza after 15 months of intense conflict. The hostages, all women, were transferred to the Red Cross in Gaza City and later returned to Israel. The ceasefire, delayed by last-minute negotiations over the list of hostages to be freed, began early Sunday, offering a glimmer of hope for the war-torn region.

The truce prompted thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, many carrying personal belongings as they navigated through debris and devastation. In northern Gaza, areas like Jabalia displayed scenes of utter destruction. Rana Mohsen, a resident returning to her neighborhood, shared her emotions: “There’s nothing left but rubble, but it’s still our home.”

The ceasefire agreement includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian detainees over the coming weeks. The arrangement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, also enables large-scale humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. Around 600 trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies are expected to enter the region daily.

In addition to the hostages, humanitarian aid workers have reported extreme challenges in northern Gaza, where food, water, and shelter are critically scarce. Jonathan Whittall, interim head of the UN humanitarian agency for Palestine, described the situation as "dire" and emphasized the urgency of coordinated relief efforts.

The agreement has been met with mixed reactions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a "temporary ceasefire" and indicated that military operations might resume if necessary. Meanwhile, in Gaza City, Palestinians celebrated the truce, waving flags and expressing cautious optimism about the halt in hostilities.

This ceasefire follows months of deadly conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the deadliest assault in Israel’s history. Over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed, while the retaliatory strikes devastated Gaza, resulting in more than 46,000 casualties, according to local health officials.

International observers are closely monitoring the situation, as the truce represents a fragile yet critical opportunity for de-escalation. The agreement also comes on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the United States President for a second term. Trump, who took credit for the truce negotiations, highlighted the need for peace while acknowledging the long road ahead for recovery and reconciliation.

Despite the temporary relief, the path to a lasting resolution remains uncertain. As displaced families attempt to rebuild their lives, the world watches to see whether this truce can pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future.