Heartwarming scenes unfolded in Gaza on Sunday as Palestinian detainees reunited with their families following a prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas.
Reports indicate that Israeli forces have commenced their withdrawal from the heavily militarised Netzarim Corridor, which bisects the Gaza Strip.
The pull-out is expected to conclude by noon today (local time).
The swap marked the fifth such exchange, with three Israeli captives released in return for 183 Palestinian prisoners.
At least seven of the released detainees were hospitalised for medical treatment.
While the withdrawal progressed, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on parts of Lebanon and Syria, killing at least six Lebanese nationals. Raids continue across the occupied West Bank.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israel’s ongoing war has claimed 48,181 lives and injured 111,638 people.
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The government media office updated the death toll to at least 61,709, as thousands previously reported missing are now presumed dead.
Despite Israeli claims of having killed between 15,000 and 20,000 Hamas members during the 15-month conflict, experts assert that Hamas has recruited an additional 25,000 fighters.
Contrary to Israeli assertions that these recruits are inexperienced, analysts argue that their weapon handling, crowd management, and operational strategies indicate advanced training.
Mounting international concerns loom over the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, set to last until March 2025.
Further uncertainty surrounds the situation following recent statements by former US President Donald Trump, whose comments on displacement have fuelled speculation about the intentions of both Israel and the United States.
The volatile ceasefire continues to pose a threat to the 2.2 million people of Gaza, already struggling to rebuild their shattered lives in the war-torn enclave.
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