The long-awaited exchange of captives between Hamas and Israel has officially begun, signalling a tentative breakthrough after months of bloodshed. Hamas has started releasing 48 Israeli hostages, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive. The Israeli military confirmed that the Red Cross has already received seven captives handed over from Gaza.
The release forms part of a wider agreement brokered by United States President Donald Trump, under which Israel will free around 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, alongside more than 1,700 others detained since the Gaza war began in 2023. Included among them are all women and minors. As part of the deal, Israel will also allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to help alleviate severe food shortages.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Friday at noon local time (09:00 GMT). Under the first stage of the truce, the Israeli army has 24 hours to withdraw to a predetermined line, retaining control over about 53% of Gaza. Hamas has until 12:00 (09:00 GMT) on Monday to complete the release of all Israeli hostages.
The 20-point ceasefire plan unveiled by Trump in September calls for a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the formation of a transitional international administration. The proposal envisions Gaza as a
“deradicalized terror-free zone”
where Hamas would no longer hold political authority.
The current war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and capturing around 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory operation has since claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The scale of devastation has led the United Nations to accuse West Jerusalem of genocide, as the enclave faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.
The ceasefire comes as a crucial necessity after the immense loss of innocent lives under the ongoing occupation. Yet, the plan presents significant challenges that must be confronted before genuine progress can take shape. Israel’s full withdrawal remains essential, but the demand for Hamas to disarm and relinquish all leadership positions poses a major obstacle to implementation. Still, there is hope that this truce will endure and pave the way toward an authentic two-state solution—one that recognises Palestine’s statehood and lays the foundation for lasting peace.
