Tel Aviv — A historic moment is unfolding as Israel and Hamas prepare to carry out a large-scale exchange of captives and detainees under the new ceasefire agreement. Beginning Monday, Israeli hostages will be released first, followed by nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, marking a potential turning point in the long and painful conflict.
Ceasefire Brings Temporary Calm
The truce, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, has brought rare calm to Gaza. After months of heavy fighting, aid convoys carrying food, fuel, and medical supplies have entered the territory, offering relief to millions trapped by the blockade.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is ready “without delay” to receive its citizens held in Gaza. Preparations at hospitals and border points are complete, with medical personnel and psychological counselors ready to assist the returnees. 
Israeli Hostages to Return Home
According to details from Israeli and international officials, around 20 surviving hostages will be freed in the first stage. They are expected to be transferred through Red Cross coordination into Israel, where they will undergo medical evaluations before meeting their families.
The long wait has left deep emotional scars among relatives, many of whom have not seen their loved ones for more than a year. Some remain unsure whether their relatives are alive, while others prepare for the possibility of receiving remains.
Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s vow to account for every missing citizen, saying that “no one will be left behind.”
Thousands of Palestinian Prisoners to Be Freed
Once the Israeli hostages are safely returned, Israel will release close to 2,000 Palestinian detainees. Many have been in custody for years, some without formal charges. The releases will take place in phases under Red Cross monitoring and with security oversight by both sides.
Palestinian families in Gaza and the West Bank have already gathered near border crossings, holding photographs and banners, waiting for news. Hamas leaders have celebrated the exchange as a “victory for steadfastness,” while urging international mediators to ensure that Israel fulfills its commitments.
Humanitarian Corridors Reopen
As part of the ceasefire deal, Israel has allowed humanitarian aid to resume. Trucks carrying fuel, flour, and medicine crossed into Gaza over the weekend. Hospitals that had run out of critical supplies are slowly resuming operations, though conditions remain desperate.
The United Nations and aid agencies described the temporary truce as a “window of mercy,” but cautioned that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis will take months to repair.
Fragile Calm, Fragile Hope
Diplomats warn that the peace remains extremely fragile. Any violation — from rocket fire to delayed prisoner transfers — could unravel the agreement. Israel maintains its right to respond militarily if Hamas fails to comply, while Hamas accuses Israel of “moving too slowly.” 
Despite these tensions, the deal has injected a rare sense of hope. International leaders, including U.S. and European officials, have welcomed the progress, calling for both parties to use this moment to build toward lasting peace.
The Human Side of the Exchange
For the families of those returning, this moment is deeply personal. In Tel Aviv, vigils have turned into emotional gatherings as relatives wait for official confirmation of releases.
“I just want to hold my daughter again,” said one father, tears in his eyes. “Nothing else matters now.”
On both sides of the border, the exchange is being seen not merely as a political maneuver but as a human act — one that could, even if briefly, remind both peoples of the cost of war and the fragile promise of peace.
