Hamas Completes Handover of All 20 Israelis Under Ceasefire Agreement by Freeing the Last 13 Hostages
Hamas has released the final 13 Israeli hostages, bringing the total number of captives released under the US-brokered truce to 20.
In a significant move to put an end to the two years of terrible fighting in Gaza and to bring cautious hope for enduring peace, Hamas on Monday freed the 20 Israeli hostages who were still alive.
After the final 13 captives were turned over, the Israeli military announced the release after seven others had already been turned over. Families and allies flocked to Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square to celebrate the news, waving flags and embracing as the names of the released were revealed.
I’m ecstatic. I am quite happy. As she traveled to the Reim military camp to meet up with her son, Nimrod Cohen, the mother of the freed hostage, stated, “It’s difficult to imagine how I feel right now.”
As part of a truce and prisoner swap agreement mediated by the United States, busses transporting released Palestinian detainees left Israeli prisons for Gaza on Monday. In an effort to put an end to the protracted conflict, President Donald Trump mediated the accord, which is regarded as a major diplomatic victory.
Trump referred to the development as “a great day” and “a new beginning” in remarks made soon after the announcement. Trump had traveled to Israel to speak to the Knesset. He said simply, “Yes,” when asked if the battle in Gaza was concluded.
As regional and global officials are ready to meet in Cairo to discuss reconstruction and long-term peace in Gaza, the releases represent the most noticeable advancement to date under the ceasefire agreed upon in Egypt last week.
Two years of conflict have destroyed Gaza, uprooted millions, and claimed countless lives. On the other hand, the coordinated release on Monday provided both sides with a unique moment of relief, hope, and solidarity.
