RAMALLAH (West Bank), Jan 20: The initial release of three hostages from Gaza coincided with the freeing of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody as a precarious ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect following 15 months of conflict. This moment carried mixed feelings and anticipates tougher challenges in the upcoming six weeks.
Palestinians throughout Gaza began their journeys home, and trucks laden with humanitarian aid started entering the ravaged region.
The ceasefire, which commenced early Sunday, raises hopes for a resolution to the distressing conflict and for the safe return of nearly 100 remaining hostages taken during Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. Nevertheless, significant uncertainties persist regarding the potential resumption of hostilities after the initial six-week phase.
The first to be released were Emily Damari, 28; Romi Gonen, 24; and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, in a suspenseful handover on a street in Gaza City, facilitated by the Red Cross. Video footage captured the moment as they were surrounded by a throng of thousands, accompanied by masked, armed individuals clad in green Hamas headbands.
The women were then taken into the hands of Israeli forces and transported into Israel, where they were reunited with family amidst tearful embraces. Damari was seen triumphantly raising her bandaged hand; she had lost two fingers in the attack on October 7.
In Tel Aviv, a crowd of thousands gathered to watch the news on large screens, erupting in applause. For many months, they had congregated weekly in the square advocating for a ceasefire.
“An entire nation embraces you,” stated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Over seven hours later, the initial group of Palestinian prisoners was released. They had been held for what Israel termed security-related offenses, ranging from stone-throwing to more severe accusations such as attempted murder.
Israel’s military, which administers the West Bank, cautioned Palestinians against public celebrations—the release occurred just after 1 a.m. Nonetheless, throngs flocked to the buses as they departed the prison, with some climbing onto the roofs or waving flags, including those of Hamas.
Fireworks filled the air, accompanied by whistles and chants of “God is great.” Many of those freed were carried on shoulders or embraced enthusiastically.
The most notable detainee released was Khalida Jarrar, 62, a member of a secular leftist faction linked to past attacks on Israel in the 1970s, though she had since reduced militant actions. Following her arrest in late 2023, she had been subject to indefinitely renewable administrative detention orders, which faced criticism from human rights advocates.
The next round of hostages and prisoners is scheduled for release on Saturday, where 33 hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees are set to be freed during the 42-day initial phase of the ceasefire. In just over two weeks, discussions are expected to commence regarding the far more complicated second phase. (Agencies)
