For the first time in over a year, the skies above Gaza and Israel witnessed a silence that marked the initiation of this ceasefire. Palestinians began the difficult process of returning to the remnants of their homes in the war-torn region, many taking the opportunity to check on their relatives and, in tragically many cases, to lay their loved ones to rest. In a significant change from previous restrictions, over 600 trucks filled with humanitarian aid entered Gaza to provide much-needed relief to the devastated area.
The ceasefire that took effect on Sunday morning inspired a flicker of hope for a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, within Israel, the relief of seeing hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher reunited with their families was overshadowed by the anxiety surrounding the fate of nearly 100 other individuals who remain in captivity following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.
Damari, Gonen, and Steinbrecher represent the first group in a planned series of releases totaling 33 Israeli hostages, part of a broader agreement that entails a pause in hostilities, the release of approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and an increase in fuel and humanitarian supplies to Gaza. The specifics of what will follow after the 42-day initial phase of the agreement remain uncertain. Subsequent phases promise additional releases and a more permanent cessation of the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from both the outgoing administration and incoming administration in the United States, has indicated support from President-elect Trump, assuring that Israel retains the option to resume military actions against Hamas if required.
On Sunday, many Israelis remained captivated by television broadcasts featuring the moments when the released hostages exited the Red Cross ambulance. Video footage displayed the trio surrounded by throngs of enthusiastic Palestinians, including armed Hamas members, as they were returned to safety. Netanyahu expressed national pride, stating, “An entire nation embraces you.”
Following the joyous reception in Israel, the atmosphere in the occupied West Bank was vastly different. Initially subdued celebrations were sparked into life as the Israeli military warned against public displays of joy for the returned prisoners. Nevertheless, the determination of the crowds grew, leading to chaotic celebrations upon the arrival of large buses carrying 90 Palestinian detainees, primarily women and teens, who had been released from Ofer prison near Ramallah.
The released individuals experienced a joyous reunion with their loved ones amidst fireworks and jubilant chants. Khalida Jarrar, a prominent figure among the detainees, described her conflicting emotions, framing her release as a “double feeling” of liberation intertwined with sorrow for the losses suffered by Palestinians throughout this tumultuous period.
The context of their detention varied, with charges assessed against the released individuals ranging from stone-throwing to attempted murder, all categorized by Israel as threats to its security. Anticipation builds for the next release set for the upcoming Saturday, closely followed by discussions over the more complex subsequent phases of the ceasefire agreement.
Relief permeated Gaza as residents contemplated the prospect of six weeks free from combat and Israeli assaults that have reportedly claimed over 46,000 lives, with a significant number of those being women and children, though the precise specifics of civilian versus militant casualties remain unclear. Destroyed landscapes greeted returning residents, evoking feelings of despair among those like Rami Nofal, who expressed his mixed emotions over the loss of his son in an earlier airstrike.
The sight of Hamas militants rekindled lingering divisions within Israel regarding the ceasefire agreement. Observers like Asher Pizem expressed concern that this arrangement could merely postpone future confrontations, criticizing the decision to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza as potentially empowering Hamas.
The ongoing conflict’s toll has been severe, and as Israeli forces began to withdraw in alignment with the ceasefire terms, reports indicate that 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced. Any reconstruction efforts are anticipated to extend over several years if peace prevails. The possibility of a substantial humanitarian aid influx signifies cautious optimism. U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher described the current moment as “fragile, yet vital.”
