All 20 remaining living hostages held in Gaza, along with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, were released on Monday as part of a ceasefire that paused nearly two years of war that devastated the Gaza Strip and killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.
Hamas announced it would release the bodies of four of the 28 deceased Israeli captives, though it remained unclear when the remaining bodies would be returned. Israel confirmed it had released more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners as part of the Gaza ceasefire arrangement.
Addressing parliament, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “committed to this peace,” raising hopes that the conflict, which triggered regional instability and left many captives in militant hands, might finally come to an end.
Cheering crowds greeted buses carrying the released prisoners in the West Bank and Gaza, while families and friends of the hostages in Tel Aviv cried out in relief as news arrived that their loved ones were free.
US President Donald Trump travelled to the region and addressed the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, before heading to Egypt to meet other leaders and discuss the U.S.-proposed deal and postwar plans.
Speaking ahead of Trump’s address, Netanyahu reiterated, “Today, the Jewish calendar marks the end of two years of war.” He acknowledged that major questions remain over the future of Hamas and Gaza, but described the exchange of hostages and prisoners as a hopeful step towards ending the deadliest war between Israel and the militant group. The ceasefire is expected to allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where parts of the population face famine.
The war began on October 7, 2023 when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.
Israel’s subsequent offensive has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with roughly half of the victims women and children.
The conflict has destroyed large parts of Gaza and displaced approximately 90 per cent of its two million residents. It has also triggered regional conflicts, global protests, and allegations of genocide that Israel denies.
Hostages and prisoners released
Tens of thousands of Israelis watched the hostage transfers on public screens. In Tel Aviv, families and friends of the hostages cheered as television channels reported the first group was in Red Cross custody.
All the freed hostages, who were men, were later reunited with their families. The remaining 28 bodies are to be returned, although timing remains uncertain.
In the West Bank, Palestinians celebrated as buses carrying dozens of released prisoners from Ofer Prison arrived in Beitunia, near Ramallah. Israel is releasing more than 1,900 prisoners as part of the ceasefire deal.
In Gaza, large crowds gathered to welcome buses carrying prisoners arriving at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The prisoners include 250 people serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis and 1,700 seized from Gaza during the war.
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Some will return to the West Bank or Gaza, while over 150 were sent to Egypt via the Rafah crossing.
The Hostages Family Forum, representing many hostage families, said four bodies were expected to return on Monday and expressed being “shocked and dismayed” that so few were coming back. An international task force will locate deceased hostages not returned within 72 hours, according to Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for the hostages and missing.
A painful chapter for Israel
The hostages’ return closes a painful chapter for Israel. Since their capture, Israelis have worn yellow pins and ribbons in solidarity, and tens of thousands joined weekly demonstrations demanding their release.
Critics accused Netanyahu of delaying action for political purposes, even as Hamas resisted negotiations. Under international pressure, both sides agreed to the ceasefire last week.
Trump in Israel and Egypt
In the Knesset, Trump told lawmakers Israel had achieved all it could militarily and must now focus on peace. “Generations from now, this will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change,” he said.
“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.”
His speech was briefly interrupted by two protesting Knesset members.
Despite optimism, thorny questions remain, including Israel’s demand that a weakened Hamas disarm. Hamas insists that Gaza’s government should be Palestinian-led and wants assurances of Israel’s full troop withdrawal.
Israeli forces have pulled back from much of Gaza City, Khan Younis, and other areas, though troops remain in Rafah, northern Gaza towns, and along the border.
Future governance of Gaza
The US plan envisions an international body overseeing Gaza, with Palestinian technocrats handling daily administration. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh to attend a summit with Trump and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, along with over 20 other leaders.
The plan includes an Arab-led international security force and Palestinian police trained by Egypt and Jordan. Israeli forces will withdraw as these forces deploy.
About 200 US troops are currently in Israel to monitor the ceasefire. The possibility of a future Palestinian state remains uncertain, with Netanyahu opposed.
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