Israel and Hamas Begin Ceasefire as Hostages Freed After Two Years in Captivity
In a dramatic culmination to one of the most agonizing chapters of the Israel–Hamas war, Hamas released all 20 of the remaining living hostages being held in Gaza on Monday morning, as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal.
The handover marks a pivotal moment in the conflict that erupted in October 2023, when Hamas militants stormed across the border, killing some 1,200 people and abducting 251 individuals—Israeli citizens, dual nationals, and foreign visitors alike.
In exchange, Israel began releasing more than 1,900 Palestinian detainees, many of whom have been held without charge since the war began.
President Donald Trump, who played a central role in mediating the agreement, declared the moment “the historic dawn of a new Middle East” in an address to the Israeli Knesset.
Hostage Release in Two Phases
The release was executed in two successive waves: seven hostages were freed first in northern Gaza, followed by thirteen more from southern Gaza, and transported via Red Cross channels to Israeli-controlled territory.
The Israeli military confirmed it had received all the hostages still deemed alive.
Amid scenes of elation and tears, thousands gathered in Israel’s “Hostages Square” in Tel Aviv to greet the returning captives.
Families of the released hostages, who had endured nearly 738 days of uncertainty, expressed relief, gratitude, and profound emotional release.
The Terms: Ceasefire, Prisoner Exchange & Humanitarian Steps
The release is part of a broader ceasefire accord and peace plan championed by the Trump administration.
Under the agreement:
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Israel would free over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and approximately 1,700 others held without charge since the onset of the war.
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The remains of deceased hostages still held in Gaza—estimated at 28 or more—would be transferred for identification and burial.
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Israel agreed to partially withdraw forces from certain areas, facilitating humanitarian access, and reopening corridors for aid into Gaza.
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A summit is slated to be held in Egypt, attended by Trump and over 20 world leaders, to lay the framework for Gaza’s future governance, reconstruction, and security.
The ceasefire went into effect earlier on Friday, as hostilities paused and Israeli troops retreated to predetermined lines.
Trump’s Arrival and Declaration in the Knesset
President Trump arrived in Israel to witness the event and delivered a highly anticipated address before members of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament).
He called the day a turning point, stating, “the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace.”
His speech earned a near-unanimous standing ovation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump as “the greatest friend that the State of Israel has ever had in the White House.”
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is expected to award Trump the “Order of the Nile” in recognition of his mediation efforts.
Humanitarian Relief and Rebuilding in Gaza
The ceasefire is opening a critical window for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Israel has agreed to allow up to 600 aid trucks per day into the enclave to address famine, medical shortages, and infrastructure collapse.
Many Gaza residents are beginning to return to neighborhoods reduced to rubble, confronting the stark reality of devastation across the territory.
Yet the conditions remain dire: widespread displacement, diminished utilities, and destroyed housing stock all complicate the humanitarian outlook.
Legacies, Challenges & the Road Ahead
While the release marks a major victory for Israel and a moment of collective relief, the war’s scars will linger.
Outstanding issues include:
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Disarmament of Hamas: The agreement mandates disarmament, but the group has historically resisted such terms.
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Governance of Gaza: Who will control Gaza moving forward is deeply contested — whether the Palestinian Authority, an international security force, or some hybrid model.
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Return of deceased hostages: Locating and identifying bodies in heavily damaged zones will be painstaking and sensitive work.
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Trust and enforcement: Past ceasefire deals have faltered; ensuring compliance across both sides will be critical.
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Regional spillover: The war has already affected neighboring states. Managing tensions with Iran, Lebanon, and other actors will remain vital.
Critics also point out that not all hostages were necessarily alive, and that the emotional reunion may obscure unresolved accountability for the tragedies.
Moreover, while Israel has suffered over 2,000 casualties in the war, Gaza’s civilian death toll has surged beyond 67,000, with many more injured or missing.
What This Means for U.S. Policy & International Diplomacy
For the United States, the success of this mediation will be framed as a significant foreign policy achievement — one that may recalibrate America’s role in Middle East peacemaking.
The Trump administration’s 20-point plan for Gaza, which includes reconstruction funding and security oversight, now enters its decisive phase.
The international community — including Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and European nations — will be under pressure to support Gaza reconstruction funding, peacekeeping contributions, and reconciliation efforts.
For American interest, ensuring that no U.S. citizens remain in captivity, safeguarding American diplomatic credibility, and stabilizing the broader region are among the stakes. (One high-profile case: U.S.-Israeli dual citizen Edan Alexander was previously held and released in May 2025. )
Voices from the Return: Stories of Survival and Loss
Among those freed is Rom Breslavski, a security guard abducted during the Nova music festival massacre, who was held captive for more than 737 days.
His return captivated national attention; medical teams are now assessing his condition after months of extreme deprivation.
Families described the release as a bittersweet moment — relief for those alive, grief for those still lost.
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, crowds chanted “Thank you, Trump!” and displayed portraits of missing loved ones.
But the emotional weight of what remains unsaid — the deaths, the lost months, the trauma — looms large.
Final Thoughts
The release of all 20 remaining living hostages from Gaza is nothing short of historic — a dramatic reopening of a path toward peace after nearly two harrowing years of conflict. Yet it is also fragile: the success of the broader agreement will depend on trust, enforcement, reconstruction, and meaningful governance changes in Gaza.
For the United States, the moment is a test of diplomatic capital and staying power in the Middle East. For Israel and Palestinians, it is a turning point charged with hope, rage, sorrow, and possibility.
As the freed captives step into the light again, their journeys of healing and reconciliation have only just begun. The true test of this moment will rest on whether it leads to lasting peace — or merely a pause before the conflict resumes.