By: Pramod Chinthaka Peiris
October 13, World (LNW): In a dramatic turn in the Gaza conflict, Hamas on Monday released all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages held in Gaza for over two years, under the terms of a U.S.‑brokered ceasefire deal.
The releases marked a rare moment of reconciliation amidst a brutal conflict that erupted in October 2023. Parents, spouses and children reunited in emotional scenes as those freed were taken in by medical teams for health checks and debriefing before reuniting with families.
As part of the agreement, Israel began releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Meanwhile, Hamas deployed fighters in Gaza in a show of internal strength, positioning armed militants at key locations including hospitals.
Ceasefire now in effect — for now
The ceasefire officially went into force on October 10, allowing for this prisoner‑exchange to be implemented.
The deal envisions multiple phases: first, the release of hostages in exchange for detainees, then later negotiations on disarmament, governance of Gaza, and the future role of Hamas.
Israeli leaders and the U.S. have framed this first stage as a test — one that could open a path to a more durable peace or collapse under renewed hostilities.
Power play behind the scenes
Hamas’s deployment of fighters during the handovers is seen by many analysts as an effort to maintain internal legitimacy and signal it retains control even amid concessions.
Israeli sources confirmed they had received the first seven hostages and anticipated the rest would follow later Monday, along with the return of the remains of deceased hostages.
For Israel, the release comes after a costly two‑year military campaign that devastated much of Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government gave preliminary approval to the ceasefire deal earlier this week.
But tougher talks lie ahead: Israel insists any lasting deal must include Hamas’s disarmament and handover of security control in Gaza.
A fragile peace, with high stakes
As freed hostages make their way home, the fragile truce offers a reprieve from years of violence. But the true test lies in whether the parties can negotiate and enforce the more difficult political arrangements to follow. Observers caution that any violation or delay could reignite conflict just as quickly as it subsides.
Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies hope the pause will allow more aid to reach vulnerable Gazans, many of whom have endured dire conditions during the war. The ceasefire agreement stipulates increased flows of food, fuel, medicine and reconstruction supplies into Gaza.
For families across Israel, the emotional relief is palpable. For the region, the moment offers cautious optimism — tempered by suspicion and the fragile balance that still must be negotiated.
