Truce Deal Brings Relief to Gaza
Hamas militants have handed over four Israeli women hostages to the Red Cross under a truce deal, marking a significant step towards ending the Gaza war. The hostages, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, were held captive for over 15 months after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
The Handover
The handover took place on Saturday at a main square in Gaza City, where dozens of masked and armed militants had gathered. Four Red Cross vehicles arrived ahead of the handover, and the fighters from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, carrying assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, gathered in rows, many carrying their groups’ banners and wearing green headbands.
Prisoner Exchange
As part of the deal, Israel is expected to free 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages. Palestinian sources confirmed that the prisoners would be released, with some going to Gaza and others returning to the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Fragile Ceasefire
The hostage-prisoner exchange is part of a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which took effect last Sunday and is intended to pave the way to a permanent end to the war. Mediators Qatar and the United States announced the agreement days ahead of US President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Trump has since claimed credit for securing the deal after months of fruitless negotiations.
Phased Implementation
The ceasefire agreement is to be implemented in three phases, but the last two stages have not yet been finalised. Israel’s prison service has confirmed that some of the Palestinians released will go to Gaza, while the rest will return to the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Worry and Fear
Despite the progress made, concerns remain about the deal’s implementation. "The worry and fear that the deal will not be implemented to the end is eating away at all of us," said Vicky Cohen, the mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen.
Displaced Palestinians
Families displaced by the war, which has lasted over a year, are longing to return home, but many will find only rubble where houses once stood. "Even if we thought about returning, there is no place for us to put our tents because of the destruction," said Theqra Qasem, a displaced woman.
Humanitarian Crisis
The UN has warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with hundreds of truckloads of aid entering the territory daily. However, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, will be effectively barred from operating as of Thursday, according to Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon.
Conclusion
The truce deal has brought relief to both Israelis and Palestinians, but concerns remain about its implementation and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation remains fragile, and it is essential that both parties work together to ensure a permanent end to the war and a better future for the people of Gaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the four Israeli women hostages released by Hamas?
A: Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag.
Q: How many Palestinian prisoners will be released by Israel in exchange for the hostages?
A: 200.
Q: When will the humanitarian crisis in Gaza be addressed?
A: The UN has warned that the situation remains dire, but hundreds of truckloads of aid are entering the territory daily.
Q: Will UNRWA continue to operate in Gaza?
A: No, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, will be effectively barred from operating as of Thursday.