A long-awaited cease-fire between Israel and Hamas took effect Sunday, marked by the release of three hostages who had been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The agreement, achieved after a year of mediation involving the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, temporarily halts a devastating conflict that has left thousands dead and displaced.
First Hostages Released
The first three hostages—Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31—were freed Sunday after months in captivity. Gonen was abducted from the Nova music festival, where hundreds were killed in the initial Hamas attack. Damari, a dual Israeli-British citizen, and Steinbrecher were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Hamas transferred the women to the Red Cross in Gaza, which reported they were in good health. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed their safe transport to southern Israel for medical evaluation.
Fragile Agreement Begins
The cease-fire start was delayed by two to three hours when Hamas failed to provide the names of the first hostages slated for release. Although the issue was resolved, the delay underscored the precariousness of the truce.
The agreement outlines a six-week pause in fighting, with 33 hostages to be released in phases in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many convicted of terrorism-related crimes. In the first phase, two Americans are also set to be freed.
Details of the Cease-Fire
Under the terms of the truce:
Israeli forces will stage a gradual withdrawal from populated areas of Gaza.
Increased humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza.
Negotiations will address the release of additional hostages and security arrangements.
President-elect Donald Trump, who assumes office Monday, has indicated full support for Israel if Hamas violates the agreement. Current President Joe Biden also expressed optimism, commending joint efforts to finalize the deal and calling for continued international support for stability in the region.
Political Dynamics
The cease-fire comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. leadership. Trump, who has criticized Biden’s Middle East policy, vowed severe consequences if hostages were not freed by his inauguration. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported Trump’s commitment to unfreeze weapons shipments previously delayed by the Biden administration.
This is the second cease-fire in the ongoing conflict. A temporary truce in November 2023 lasted less than a week and resulted in the exchange of 105 Israeli hostages for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
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