Ceasefire Takes Effect in Gaza, Hostage Release to Begin

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect today, raising hopes for an end to the devastating two-year conflict and paving the way for the release of all remaining hostages.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians are returning to heavily damaged areas of the northern Gaza Strip following the military’s announcement of the truce, though many will find their homes reduced to rubble. The Israeli military confirmed the ceasefire and stated that the remaining 48 hostages, roughly 20 of whom are believed to be alive, will be released by Monday. Heavy shelling in parts of Gaza had largely ceased as of Friday, according to Palestinian reports. This conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region, with nearly 90% of Gaza’s population displaced at some point during the fighting.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Israel may resume offensive operations if Hamas does not disarm, stating, “If this is achieved the easy way — so be it. If not — it will be achieved the hard way.” The United Nations has received approval to begin delivering scaled-up aid to Gaza starting Sunday, addressing widespread malnutrition and famine conditions. The International Criminal Court is currently seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister related to allegations of using starvation as a weapon, accusations Israeli officials deny. For more information on the humanitarian situation, see the United Nations’ Gaza page.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel is set to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, though a list published yesterday did not include prominent Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti. As families await the return of their loved ones, Stephen Brisley, a relative of a hostage believed to have died in captivity, expressed “a measured sense of hope” while acknowledging past disappointments. The Trump plan, which outlines a potential path forward, calls for an open-ended Israeli military presence along the Gaza border and an internationally-led reconstruction effort – details of which can be found on the U.S. State Department website.

Officials say the hostage and prisoner releases are expected to begin Monday, with Israel continuing to operate defensively from the roughly 50% of Gaza it still controls.