Ceasefire Brings Hope but Deep Divides Remain Between Israel and Hamas

Israel and Hamas took a cautious step toward peace on Monday, exchanging hostages and prisoners under a US-brokered ceasefire deal that offered a rare moment of relief after two years of devastating conflict in Gaza.

The exchange marked the first concrete progress under the agreement, which Washington hopes could lay the foundation for a permanent truce. Yet, deep disagreements over Hamas’ disarmament, Gaza’s future governance, and Palestinian statehood continue to cloud the path forward.

For many Israelis, the return of the final 20 surviving hostages brought emotional reunions and long-awaited relief. Families embraced loved ones after months of uncertainty and grief. “You are alive! Two arms and two legs,” said Zvika Mor as he greeted his son Eitan after two years in captivity.

Four deceased hostages were also returned, with 24 more bodies expected under the next phase of the deal. In exchange, Israel permitted a surge of humanitarian aid — including food, water, and medical supplies — into Gaza.

Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that any delay by Hamas in returning the remaining bodies would be treated as a ceasefire violation.

Across Gaza and the West Bank, crowds celebrated the release of over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The freed detainees, some waving victory signs, were welcomed home amid emotional scenes.

“Praise be to God who honoured us with this release,” said Mahmoud Fayez, a former detainee. Among those freed were about 250 serving life terms for attacks on Israelis and roughly 1,700 held without charge since the war began.

Despite the celebrations, Gaza remains in ruins. After months of bombardment, essential services are crippled, and rebuilding could take years. Questions persist over who will finance the reconstruction.

Trump Celebrates Deal, Urges Lasting Peace

US President Donald Trump hailed the ceasefire as a diplomatic breakthrough during his visit to the region. Addressing Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, Trump urged leaders to seize the moment for “peace and prosperity across the Middle East.”

“Israel, with our help, has won all it can by force of arms,” Trump said. “Now it is time to translate those victories into lasting peace.”

Trump later joined Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and global leaders in Cairo to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire’s implementation. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also attended, emphasizing reconstruction and political reconciliation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu skipped the Cairo meeting due to a Jewish holiday but told lawmakers that Israel had achieved “all its objectives.” Critics, however, accused him of prolonging the war for political reasons — a claim he has denied.

What Lies Ahead for Gaza

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in Israel, left Gaza devastated. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed — figures largely acknowledged by the UN, though they do not distinguish between civilians and militants.

The conflict has destabilized the wider Middle East, sparking tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Iran.

Under the current US-led plan, Gaza’s administration would transition to an international authority supported by Palestinian technocrats and Arab-led security forces. Around 200 US troops are already in Israel to monitor the ceasefire.

Despite the progress, both sides remain wary. Israel insists on Hamas’ full disarmament, while Hamas demands a total withdrawal of Israeli troops — conditions that highlight the fragile nature of this tentative peace.