Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement begins today: Hostage releases & Palestinian hopes for homecoming

KATHMANDU: A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, approved by the Israeli Cabinet on Saturday morning, has officially come into effect today. Under the agreement, the first three hostages are set to be released today.

Over the next six to seven weeks, Israel plans to release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages held by Hamas.

As the ceasefire is implemented, displaced Palestinians living in temporary camps have expressed renewed hope of returning to their homes.

Among them is Sachi Eden, whose brother, Israeli Adam Manit, has been anxiously awaiting news of the release of his family member, Sachi’s brother-in-law, held hostage by Hamas since Oct 2023. Before being taken hostage, Eden’s 18-year-old daughter, Mayan, was tragically killed by Hamas militants.

Though a video released by Hamas last year showed Eden, there have been no updates since, and Hamas has reported that he has died. Manit shared his distress over the uncertainty, saying, “We don’t know whether he is alive or not. Imagine what it’s like for us not knowing.”

Palestinians in Gaza Voice Their Hopes

As the ceasefire begins, residents of Gaza, including those in temporary camps like Khan Yunis, have voiced hopes of returning to their homes.

Mahmoud Sheikh Abed, currently living in a temporary camp, said, “We hope today is the last day of the war.” He had to leave his home in Rafah, but he remains concerned that the ceasefire may not hold. Bilal Al-Nahwani from Rafah added, “The people of Gaza are exhausted and hungry. Everyone has lost someone, been injured, or detained. It’s been too much. People here have suffered greatly.”

Tarek Jumlot, a resident of Gaza, stated, “We hope this ceasefire is real, and when we return to our home in Jabaliya, we will learn about the fate of our families and friends.”

Hostage Exchange and Ceasefire Details

Under the ceasefire terms, the first exchange will occur today, with Hamas expected to release three hostages. These initial releases will primarily involve women, according to Israeli sources.

The agreement, mediated by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, spans nearly six weeks and includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages who have been in Hamas custody for 15 months.

Most of these hostages will be women, children, and the elderly. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will be released.

The Israeli Ministry of Justice recently published a list of 95 Palestinian prisoners to be freed, including 69 women, 16 men, and 10 children.

Next Phases of the Ceasefire

On the 16th day of the ceasefire, talks for the second phase of the agreement will commence. This phase includes the release of remaining hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, laying the groundwork for a sustainable peace. The final phase will focus on rebuilding Gaza, a process that could take years.

Additionally, the return of the bodies of any deceased hostages held by Hamas will occur during this phase. According to a BBC Verified study, Hamas still holds 94 hostages, 34 of whom are believed to have already died.

This ceasefire agreement offers a glimmer of hope for those affected by the ongoing conflict, with significant implications for the region’s future peace and rebuilding efforts.