February 22nd 2025.
In the midst of heightened tension between Hamas and Israel, the first five of six Israeli hostages were released by Hamas on Saturday. This comes as a part of the ceasefire deal, but the future of the agreement is uncertain. The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza, where they were met by hundreds of Palestinians. The whole event was a mix of emotions, with the hostages being brought out on stage by masked and armed Hamas fighters. In the town of Nuseirat, three young Israeli men were released alongside the fighters and were met with cheers and ululations from their families.
As the three hostages, Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen, were being put into Red Cross vehicles to be taken to Israel, their families and friends could not contain their joy. Chants of "Eliya! Eliya! Eliya!" filled the air as Cohen's family watched him for the first time in 16 months. Shem Tov's grandmother could not contain her happiness and exclaimed, "Omer, my joy! My life!" as she caught a glimpse of her grandson.
However, this release did not come without its challenges. Earlier in the week, there was a dispute between Hamas and Israel when Hamas mistakenly handed over the wrong body of an Israeli mother who was abducted by militants. This caused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow revenge, while Hamas claimed it was a mistake. But, after negotiations, the correct body was eventually handed over and confirmed by Israeli forensic authorities.
This dispute has raised doubts about the ceasefire deal and the negotiations for the second phase, where Hamas would release more hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. These negotiations are expected to be difficult, especially with the recent events causing tension between the two adversaries. The six hostages released on Saturday were the last living ones to be released in the first phase, but there are still fears for the remaining hostages who were seized during the 2023 attack by Hamas.
The hostages released on Saturday were not soldiers when they were abducted, but were attending a music festival in 2023. The two other hostages released earlier in the day, Tal Shoham and Avera Mengistu, were also not soldiers. Shoham, who also holds Austrian citizenship, was visiting his wife's family when he was abducted, along with his wife, children, and other relatives who were later released in a previous exchange. Mengistu had been held in Gaza since entering on his own in 2014.
The release of these hostages is part of a larger exchange where more than 600 Palestinian prisoners will be freed by Israel. This includes 50 serving life sentences, 60 with long sentences, and 47 who were previously released in an exchange. Hamas has also promised to release four more bodies next week, completing the first phase of the ceasefire. However, they have stated that they will not release the remaining hostages without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.
The uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire is further complicated by US President Trump's proposal to remove 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and have the US take control and rebuild it. This plan has been welcomed by Netanyahu, but has been rejected by Palestinians and Arab countries. Trump himself has expressed surprise at the rejections and has stated that he will not impose the plan, but will recommend it.
The war between Israel and Gaza has caused immense destruction and displacement, with thousands of innocent lives lost. The ceasefire is a much-needed respite for the people of Gaza, but with the future uncertain, there are still fears and challenges ahead.
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