A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas marks the beginning of a long-awaited hostage release, with the first group expected to be freed on Sunday. The agreement, which includes the release of 33 hostages abducted on 7 October, signals a fragile but hopeful step toward easing tensions in the region.
The release plan, as confirmed by Hamas, involves freeing women, children, and the elderly over a span of 42 days. Initially, three women are to be released on the first day, followed by four more on the seventh day. Subsequent weeks will see at least three hostages released weekly, with living captives prioritized over those deceased.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the anticipated Sunday start, said, “Subject to the approval of the cabinet and the government, and the implementation of the agreement, the release of the hostages can proceed according to the planned framework.”
The ceasefire, part of a broader humanitarian effort led by international parties, has seen logistical challenges, particularly concerning aid flow into Gaza. Egypt’s Rafah crossing, a critical humanitarian entry point, remains a focal area for aid coordination. Despite promises of increased aid delivery, on-the-ground logistics and infrastructure damage complicate the situation.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) coordinator Amande Bazerolle expressed skepticism, noting the destroyed infrastructure and the continuing airstrikes. “Since Rafah has been destroyed, the infrastructure is not there to be able to cope with that level of logistics,” Bazerolle said, highlighting the dire need for security to prevent looting of aid supplies.
On a more hopeful note, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that French-Israeli citizens Ofer Kalderon and Ohad Yahalomi are among the first to be released. Macron emphasized the significance of the ceasefire, while calling attention to the ongoing challenges in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
As the ceasefire holds, aid agencies continue to warn about the immense humanitarian needs in Gaza. Gavin Kelleher of the Norwegian Refugee Council underscored the urgency for rebuilding basic infrastructure, said, “We’re closing one chapter of suffering and opening a new one.”
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