In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, a long-anticipated ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas has been finalized, with the first phase of implementation set to begin on Sunday. The deal, brokered with the help of Qatar and supported by international mediators, brings renewed hope for the release of hostages while opening avenues for much-needed humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
Hostage Exchange Plan
the first phase of the agreement involves the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas, including children, elderly individuals, and female soldiers. In return, Israel has committed to releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Families of hostages, many of whom have endured months of uncertainty since attacks on October 7, expressed mixed emotions—relief for progress made, tempered by grief for those who will not return alive.
Michael Illouz, whose son Guy was abducted during the Nova music festival and died in captivity, voiced both pain and hope. “This deal comes too late for my son, whose life cannot be saved. But at least he can be brought back home for a proper burial,” Illouz said during a press event in Tel Aviv.
Einav Zangauker, mor of hostage Matan Zangauker, added, “We finally see a glimmer of hope. Now it’s our role to ensure this agreement is fully implemented until the last hostage is home.”
Obstacles Overcome
Hamas announced on Friday that last-minute barriers to deal had been resolved. Zaher Jabareen, head of Hamas’ Martyrs and Prisoners Office, confirmed that issues stemming from Israel’s “failure to adhere to earlier terms” were addressed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office echoed this sentiment, confirming that negotiations in Doha had overcome the remaining hurdles.
Israeli security cabinet convened Friday morning to vote on the agreement, with a full cabinet vote expected later in the day. Approval is considered a formality, and the deal is anticipated to be operational by Sunday.
Humanitarian Implications
ceasefire will also enable a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Aid organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), reported plans to facilitate entry of 600 trucks per day, a marked improvement from recent months.
Sam Rose, UNRWA’s acting director in Gaza, outlined challenges ahead: “We anticipate a significant movement of displaced civilians back to Gaza City, but issues like unexploded ordnance and unsafe buildings pose considerable risks.”
Regional and International Reactions
Iran hailed the ceasefire as a “victory” for Hamas, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that Israel had been “compelled to surrender.” Iran, a key ally of Hamas, reiterated its group support and praised the negotiations’ outcome.
Meanwhile, G7 leaders welcomed the deal, emphasizing the importance of its humanitarian provisions and reiterating its commitment to a two-state solution. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that two French-Israeli hostages, Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi, are among those set to be released in the first phase.
Continued Violence Despite Agreement
Despite the announcement, violence persisted. Gaza Civil Defense reported over 100 deaths in Gaza from Israeli airstrikes since the deal was revealed, with at least 27 children among casualties. Emergency crews described unrelenting bombardments targeting residential areas, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
Looking Ahead
While ceasefire and hostage release agreement mark a crucial step toward de-escalation, much depends on its successful implementation. Observers have noted that trust remains low between parties, and any deviation from agreed terms could derail fragile progress.
For families of hostages and millions affected by conflict, this moment is one of cautious optimism. As the first phase of the agreement unfolds, the world watches closely, hoping for an end to months of suffering and the beginning of a longer-lasting peace.
