A glimmer of hope emerges from the rubble of Gaza as Israel anticipates the release of hostages, a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.
The Ceasefire Deal: A Breakthrough?
Israel's military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has announced that all living hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released on Monday, marking a significant development in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This news brings a sense of relief to the families and loved ones of the hostages, who have endured a harrowing two-year war.
But here's where it gets controversial: U.S. President Donald Trump plans to visit Israel and Egypt on Monday to celebrate this ceasefire, a move that has sparked mixed reactions. Some see it as a diplomatic victory, while others question the timing and motives behind the visit.
The Hostage Release Process
Spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian has clarified that the 20 living hostages will be released all at once to the Red Cross. They will then be driven to a military base to reunite with their families or, if necessary, taken directly to a hospital. This carefully planned process aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the hostages.
And this is the part most people miss: after the hostages are freed, Israel is prepared to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees. However, the timing for this release remains uncertain, leaving families and communities in a state of anticipation.
The Search for Deceased Hostages
Gal Hirsch, Israel's coordinator for the hostages and the missing, has revealed that an international task force will commence the search for deceased hostages who are not returned within 72 hours. Officials have cautioned that the search, which may involve sifting through rubble, could be a lengthy process.
A Path of Healing?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced criticism for allegedly prolonging the war for political gain, has described Monday as a "path of healing." Many Israelis, however, remain skeptical and have expressed their frustration at the booing incident during a rally for the hostages in Tel Aviv.
The Palestinian Perspective
A Palestinian official, speaking anonymously, has revealed that Hamas is pushing for the release of Marwan Barghouti, a popular Palestinian leader and a potential unifying figure, along with several others serving life sentences. This demand has added complexity to the negotiations, as Israel views Barghouti as a terrorist leader.
Preparing for Aid and Reconstruction
As the focus shifts towards rebuilding Gaza, the Israeli military body responsible for humanitarian aid has announced an increase in aid entering the territory, reaching around 600 trucks per day. U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has described Gaza as a "wasteland," emphasizing the urgent need for medical services, food, fuel, and rubble removal.
Egypt has also stepped up its efforts, sending 400 aid trucks into Gaza on Sunday for screening by Israeli troops. The Egyptian Red Crescent has confirmed that these vehicles carry essential supplies such as medical equipment, tents, blankets, food, and fuel.
The Role of International Organizations
The United Nations, with its substantial aid reserves, is ready to play a crucial role in the reconstruction of Gaza. However, the fate of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli- and U.S.-backed contractor, remains uncertain. Similarly, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, is awaiting clarity on its role, despite having enough food in its warehouses to sustain Gaza's entire population for three months.
Trump's Visit and the Peace Summit
President Trump, who played a pivotal role in negotiating the ceasefire deal, is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday morning. He will meet with the families of the hostages and address the Knesset, Israel's parliament. Trump will then continue his journey to Egypt, where he will co-chair a "peace summit" with regional and international leaders, including Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority.
The Long Road to Peace
While the ceasefire brings a temporary respite, the long-term fate of the agreement remains uncertain. Key questions surrounding the governance of Gaza and the post-war status of Hamas, including its proposed disarmament, are yet to be resolved. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced that the military is preparing to destroy the network of tunnels built by Hamas under Gaza, but the logistics of this operation, given the withdrawal of Israeli forces, are unclear.
Gaza Residents Return to Rubble
Palestinians have begun returning to areas vacated by Israeli forces. Satellite images analyzed by the AP show a steady stream of vehicles traveling north to Gaza City. Amid the dust-covered ruins, Palestinian flags stand tall. Mohamed Samy, upon checking his home in Jabaliya, found it completely flattened, a stark reminder of the devastation wrought by the war.
Armed police, part of the Hamas-run Interior Ministry, are patrolling the streets and securing aid trucks in areas where Israel's military has withdrawn. The ministry has also issued a statement, offering an opportunity for members of armed gangs not involved in the killing of Palestinians to turn themselves in and seek pardon.
First responders are searching previously inaccessible areas for bodies buried under rubble. Health officials report that 233 bodies have been brought to hospitals since the truce came into effect on Friday. Some of these remains are little more than bones.
At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Yasser el-Bureis finally retrieved the remains of two cousins, a long-awaited moment for his family after five months of uncertainty.
The War's Legacy
The war, which began with a surprise attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has left an indelible mark. Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 250 taken hostage. Israel's subsequent offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The war has also displaced around 90% of Gaza's 2 million residents and triggered allegations of genocide, which Israel denies.
As the hostages are freed and aid begins to flow into Gaza, the road to recovery and reconciliation remains long and fraught with challenges. The international community, along with regional leaders, must continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting peace and address the underlying issues that fuel such conflicts.
