Three Israeli Hostages Return Home as Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas Holds

The Israeli military announced the arrival of the first three hostages released from Gaza. This occurred after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began. The mothers of the hostages were present to welcome them. Video footage showed the women walking towards Red Cross vehicles in Gaza City, surrounded by a large crowd. Armed men with green Hamas headbands escorted the vehicles during the handover.

In Tel Aviv, thousands gathered to watch the news on big screens, celebrating as they heard the announcement. Many had been advocating for a ceasefire for months. Relatives of the released women expressed their joy through tears and applause. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "An entire nation embraces you." The released hostages are Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher.

Ceasefire Brings Hope

The ceasefire is expected to last six weeks, raising hopes for the release of nearly 100 remaining hostages and an end to the 15-month conflict. A delay by Hamas postponed the truce's start by nearly three hours. However, a Hamas military wing spokesman confirmed their commitment to the ceasefire. Celebrations erupted in Gaza even before the ceasefire took effect, with some Palestinians beginning to return home.

In the West Bank, families and friends gathered in anticipation of 90 Palestinian prisoners being released later that day. Cars honked and people waved Palestinian flags in excitement. The truce began at 11:15 a.m. local time and is seen as a step towards ending the conflict and returning hostages taken during Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli fire killed at least 26 people before it took effect, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. It remains unclear if they were civilians or fighters. The military warned people to avoid Israeli forces as they withdrew to a buffer zone inside Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel's national security minister announced his party's departure from Netanyahu's government in protest over the ceasefire.

Israel also reported recovering Oron Shaul's body, a soldier killed in the 2014 Israel-Hamas war, during a special operation in Gaza. Shaul's body had remained there since that conflict alongside another soldier's remains.

International Mediation Efforts

The ceasefire deal was reached after mediation by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt over a year. Both outgoing President Joe Biden's administration and President-elect Donald Trump's team pushed for an agreement before Monday's inauguration. Netanyahu warned he had Trump's support to continue fighting if necessary.

The first phase of the ceasefire will last 42 days, with plans to gradually release 33 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid is expected to increase significantly, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily.

Mixed Reactions

Across Gaza, relief mingled with sorrow as tens of thousands have died in the conflict, leaving much destruction behind. "This ceasefire was a joy mixed with pain because my son was martyred in this war," said Rami Nofal from Gaza City. Some families returned home on foot with their belongings on donkey carts.

In Rafah city, residents found massive destruction upon returning home, including human remains among rubble. "It's like you see a Hollywood horror movie," said Mohamed Abu Taha while inspecting his family's ruined home.

Divided Opinions in Israel

In Israel, opinions about the ceasefire remain divided. Asher Pizem from Sderot criticized it as merely delaying another confrontation with Hamas and opposed allowing aid into Gaza. "They will take time and attack again," he said while observing Gaza's ruins from southern Israel.

Biden expressed no concern about Hamas regrouping when asked on Sunday.

The War's Toll

The war has taken an immense toll on infrastructure and lives in Gaza. Ahmed al-Sufi from Rafah municipality reported significant damage to water systems, electricity networks, roads, and thousands of homes destroyed.

Gaza's Health Ministry reported over 46,000 Palestinians killed; more than half were women or children but did not specify civilian or fighter status. The initial Hamas-led attack killed over 1,200 people in southern Israel while abducting around 250 others.

If successful through its final phase—rebuilding efforts could take years amid unresolved questions about Gaza’s future politically or otherwise.