The simultaneous release of hostages and prisoners marks the first phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas, mediated by international actors and framed in a ceasefire in Gaza.
MADRID, Spain.- Hamas released this Monday the 20 live Israeli hostages who remained held in Gaza, as part of the first stage of an agreement with the Government of Israel that includes an exchange with Palestinian prisoners and an internationally supervised ceasefire.
The liberation was carried out in two batches and was mediated by the Red Cross. Hours later, Israel began the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds with long sentences.
The agreement also contemplates the delivery of the remains of 28 deceased hostages and is part of a peace plan promoted with the support of international mediators, including Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, with backing from the United States. The American president donald trumpfrom the Israeli parliament during the day, described the pact as “the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”
In the West Bank city of Ramallah, relatives and supporters welcomed some of the freed Palestinian prisoners. In Israel, the families of the hostages were reunited with their loved ones in medical facilities and care centers, after more than two years of captivity in some cases.
The ceasefire came into effect amid a critical humanitarian situation in Gaza. International organizations have warned that the civilian population faces shortages of food, water, medicine and housing after months of military offensive and blockade. According to United Nations data, tens of thousands of people have died and millions remain displaced.
The agreement provides for new phases of releases and exchanges in the coming days, although its compliance will depend on the stability of the ceasefire. The parties have not ruled out difficulties in implementation, in a scenario marked by internal tensions and mutual distrust.
