Hamas exuded 3 Israeli hostages, while Israel released 90 Palestinians in the first prisoner exchange since the ceasefire treaty. The armistice marked a stoppage to a 15-month war that terrified Gaza and amplified tensions in the Middle East region.
The truce allowed many Palestinians to return to their collapsed homes in Gaza. Relief trucks carrying essential aid also steeped in the region, providing basic necessities and supplies to the displaced population.
In the West Bank city of Ramallah, fireworks light up the sky as buses carrying released Palestinian prisoners show up. Thousands gathered to welcome the 90 prisoners, including 69 women and 21 teenagers, as per the Hamas officials.
In Tel Aviv, hundreds of Israelis gathered outside the defence headquarters. They hailed and cried as a live broadcast from Gaza showed three female hostages entering a Red Cross vehicle enclosed by Hamas fighters.
Hamas used the ceasefire to step out of hiding. Fighters inspected parts of southern Gaza, and policemen in blue uniforms were seen in some areas. The ceasefire provided Hamas a possibility to re-establish its presence after 15 months of confrontation.
The conflict ended with more than 47,000 Palestinians dead, as per the Gaza medical authorities. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million citizens are homeless. And around 400 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives during the fighting.
Under the agreement, fighting is to end, aid is given to Gaza, and 33 of the remaining Israeli and foreign hostages will be released in the first phase. In exchange, Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Many hostages are feared to be dead.
