Israel Frees 90 Palestinian Prisoners as Ceasefire with Hamas Takes Effect
Ramallah, West Bank: The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has begun to take hold after 15 months of devastating conflict, offering a moment of reprieve and cautious hope for the region. On Sunday, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners following the return of three Israeli hostages by Hamas, marking a significant development in the conflict’s first phase of de-escalation.
Hostage and Prisoner Releases Signal Progress
The ceasefire commenced early Sunday, beginning with the release of Emily Damari (28), Romi Gonen (24), and Doron Steinbrecher (31). The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City and subsequently transported into Israel, where they were reunited with their families amidst emotional scenes. Damari, who lost two fingers during Hamas’ October 7 attack, raised her bandaged hand in a gesture of triumph upon her return.
Later that night, the first wave of Palestinian prisoners was freed by Israel, including Khalida Jarrar, a prominent political figure held under controversial administrative detention. Despite warnings from the Israeli military against public celebrations, thousands gathered to greet the freed detainees, waving flags, setting off fireworks, and chanting slogans.
Humanitarian Relief Amid Devastation
As the ceasefire holds, displaced Palestinians across Gaza have begun returning to their homes—many of which have been reduced to rubble. The first trucks carrying humanitarian aid have also entered the besieged territory, with over 630 trucks delivering supplies on Sunday alone, according to the United Nations.
“This is a moment of tremendous hope,” said Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian chief, adding that efforts to restore critical infrastructure, including water and electricity, are underway.
However, the scale of devastation is immense. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, with women and children comprising more than half the fatalities. Additionally, 90% of the population has been displaced, and rebuilding the territory is expected to take years.
Political Divisions and Uncertain Future
The ceasefire, set to last six weeks in its first phase, aims to facilitate the release of nearly 100 remaining Israeli hostages and 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Talks on a second phase of negotiations are scheduled to begin in two weeks, although the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
In Israel, reactions to the ceasefire are mixed. Some view the deal as a necessary step toward peace, while others, like Asher Pizem from Sderot, see it as a temporary pause that allows Hamas to regroup.
On the political front, tensions within Israel’s government have surfaced. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power faction quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition in protest of the truce. While the move weakens Netanyahu’s government, it does not affect the ceasefire agreement.
A Fragile Hope
The war, which began after Hamas’ deadly October 7 assault on southern Israel, has left deep scars on both sides. With tens of thousands dead, massive displacement, and infrastructure in ruins, the ceasefire represents a fragile hope for an end to hostilities.
Still, uncertainties remain. Whether the ceasefire can hold beyond its initial phase—and whether the region can move toward long-term peace—will depend on the willingness of both sides to navigate the complex political, humanitarian, and security challenges ahead.
