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Three Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity and returned to Israel, coinciding with the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention as a ceasefire took effect on January 19.
For the first time in over a year, airstrikes in Gaza ceased, allowing Palestinians to return to their devastated homes and to mourn their deceased.
Following months of stringent Israeli restrictions, over 600 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid entered Gaza. In Israel, hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher were reunited with their families, raising concerns about the nearly 100 others still held by Hamas since the October 7 attack.
These three were the first of 33 Israeli hostages expected to be released in the coming weeks as part of a broader agreement that includes a pause in hostilities, the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration, indicated he received assurances from Trump regarding Israel's right to continue military action against Hamas if deemed necessary.
On Sunday evening, many Israelis watched intently as the hostages were released, with footage capturing the emotional moment as they were handed over to the Red Cross amidst a crowd of thousands, including Hamas militants.
Netanyahu expressed the nation's support, stating, "An entire nation embraces you " as applause erupted among the gathered crowd at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where families have been advocating for a ceasefire.
In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military issued a warning against public celebrations for the released prisoners, threatening punishment. However, this did not stop the crowds from gathering around 1 a.m., as large white buses transporting 90 Palestinian detainees, all women and teenagers, emerged from Ofer prison near Ramallah, leading to scuffles with Israeli security forces and long waits.
The next release of hostages and prisoners is scheduled for Saturday, and in just over two weeks, discussions will commence on the more complex second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, there is a sense of relief at the thought of six weeks free from conflict and Israeli airstrikes, which have reportedly claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives, with women and children constituting more than half of the casualties, although the Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.