Prisoners swapped, hostilities paused but complexities remain in Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Israel and Hamas moved forward on a key first phase of their fragile ceasefire agreement on Monday, releasing hostages and prisoners in a landmark step toward ending the brutal two-year war in Gaza. The return of 20 living hostages to Israeli families ignited scenes of emotional jubilation, while thousands of Palestinians welcomed home detainees released from Israeli custody in Gaza and the West Bank.

The release was part of the initial phase of the agreement, which also requires Israel to permit an influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Four deceased hostages were returned to Israel as well, with plans for approximately 24 more bodies to be handed over in the coming days.

The exchange represents a rare moment of hope after two decades marked by deep animosity and bloodshed that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. For many Israelis, the freedom of the living captives brought a measure of closure after the trauma inflicted by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.

But the release of captives does not erase the pain of families awaiting news of those who perished or remain unaccounted for in Gaza. Many vowed to continue pressing for the return of the deceased. Still, the immediate urgency to halt fighting has gained traction, easing political pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to implement further stages of the ceasefire.

The conflict began with Hamas’ surprise assault against Israel in late 2023, triggering a massive Israeli military campaign in Gaza that killed over 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. This figure includes combatants and civilians alike and is widely cited by the UN and international observers.

The war’s violence has spread political tension throughout the Middle East. Clashes between Israel and groups such as Lebanese Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militants in Yemen underscore the conflict’s regional ramifications.

Israel, however, celebrated the ceasefire deal as an achievement of its military and political aims. Netanyahu told parliament the agreement “ends the war by achieving all our objectives.” He has repeatedly insisted Israel would continue fighting until all hostages are freed and Hamas is weakened. Critics accuse him of prolonging war efforts for political gain, assertions he denies.

US President Donald Trump attended the region to mark the ceasefire milestone, delivering a keynote address to Israel’s parliament and subsequently joining an international summit on Gaza’s future in Egypt.

In his Knesset speech, Trump declared, “Israel, with our help, has won all that they can by force of arms. Now it is time to translate these victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”

Trump’s remarks reflected cautious optimism that the ceasefire could pave the way for lasting peace in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

At the summit in Egypt, more than 20 world leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, convened to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction and broader Middle East stability.

Ongoing challenges

Despite progress in hostage releases, the ceasefire deal leaves many thorny issues unresolved. Israel demands that Hamas disarm fully, a demand Hamas rejects. The group insists on maintaining control in Gaza and calls for Israeli forces to withdraw completely.

The governance of Gaza is uncertain. Under the U.S. plan, an international body would govern the territory, overseeing Palestinian technocrats responsible for day-to-day operations. Hamas, which administers Gaza, counters that governance should be a matter decided by Palestinians themselves.

The plan also envisions the eventual role of the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs parts of the West Bank, although Netanyahu has opposed significant authority shifts to the Palestinian leadership without major reforms.

A proposed Arab-led international security force would deploy in Gaza alongside Palestinian police, enabling Israeli forces to withdraw incrementally. About 200 U.S. troops are monitoring the ceasefire deal from Israel, signaling strong American involvement in enforcing peace terms.

The question of Palestinian statehood remains a pivotal unresolved issue. Netanyahu and many Israeli officials have long opposed formal recognition of a Palestinian state, complicating prospects for a broader peace arrangement.

The road ahead

Gaza’s physical and social landscape bears deep scars from the war. Israeli bombardments have devastated the territory’s infrastructure and economy. Homes, markets, hospitals, and utilities lie in ruins. Basic services are fragmented, and a comprehensive reconstruction effort — estimated to take years and require international funding — faces major uncertainties.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire’s implementation will be closely watched by all parties. Officials recognise that setbacks — such as delays in releasing deceased hostages or clashes along borders — could undermine fragile goodwill.

For now, the releases of hostages and prisoners represent the first tentative step toward peace in a conflict marked by decades of violence, mistrust, and profound human suffering.

Monday’s developments may signal a cautious pause, but the ultimate resolution requires compromises that have proven elusive despite intense international diplomatic efforts.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the ceasefire holds and lays the groundwork for a sustainable peace or collapses into renewed fighting.