Gaza on map

Hamas has released all remaining living Israeli hostages following the implementation of the US-brokered peace agreement, which is expected to bring an end to the two-year-long war.

The 20 hostages were among more than 200 Israelis kidnapped on 7 October 2023 when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel. Their release on Monday marks the first major step in the ceasefire deal mediated by the United States.

Last week, Israel and Hamas agreed to the peace plan initiated by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The peace process will be carried out in phases, with the initial stage focusing on a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

According to Mr Trump, the ongoing process aims to achieve “a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.” Alongside the release of Israeli hostages, hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons have also regained their freedom.

Al Jazeera reported jubilant scenes as freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah, West Bank, where crowds cheered and embraced them after their release from Ofer Prison.

In Gaza, displaced Palestinians have begun returning to the ruins of their homes in the north, though most remain in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

More than 67,806 people have died and 170,066 others wounded since the conflict began in October 2023. Israel’s blockade and restrictions on food and fuel have worsened living conditions, with starvation particularly affecting children.

The United Nations noted that since late May, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,400 people in Gaza as civilians struggled to find food. However, the UN also confirmed a recent improvement in humanitarian access — including the entry of cooking gas for the first time since March and expanded deliveries of food and medical supplies.

As both sides begin to implement the terms of the truce, the world watches to see whether this agreement will finally end one of the most devastating conflicts in modern Middle Eastern history.