Under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Hamas on October 13 handed over the first seven of 20 surviving Israeli hostages, marking a fragile but momentous step toward ending two years of conflict in Gaza. The release, facilitated via the International Committee of the Red Cross, was followed by emotional scenes in Israel as families awaited reunions.
The deal, largely shaped by former President Donald Trump’s peace proposal, envisions not only the complete exchange of hostages and detainees but also a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the reconstruction of war-torn areas. Under the agreement, Israel is expected to free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including those held without charges..
Yet, critical questions remain unresolved. Among them: the future governance of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and how lasting peace will be secured. Meanwhile, Hamas forces staged a show of strength in Gaza by deploying fighters near Nasser Hospital. The success of the truce hinges on whether both parties adhere to the terms and allow humanitarian aid to flow into devastated communities.