Late night tears and hugs for released Palestinian prisoners

Gazans return to devastated neighborhoods in Gaza, salvaging what they can, while Israelis await news about recently released hostages as the cease-fire holds. The hostages receive medical and psychological care, with one expressing happiness at being back. The truce allows for the release of more hostages and Palestinian prisoners, sparking celebrations and bringing aid to Gaza, but challenges remain as negotiations and rebuilding efforts continue amidst uncertainty and hope for a lasting peace. Full Article

Iman Nafeh eagerly awaited her husband's release from a 44-year Israeli prison sentence, only to learn he would be immediately expelled from Palestinian territories upon his freedom. Nael Barghouthi, with the longest detention record among Palestinians, was set to be deported as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Nafeh, who herself spent time in prison, expressed outrage at the expulsion, as Barghouthi's impending release symbolized hope for Palestinians and their future together....

In a significant development following the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, the release of around 100 hostages, both living and dead, held in Gaza since the conflict began over a year ago, is set in motion. The initial six-week phase of the agreement involves the release of 33 hostages, including female soldiers, civilians, children, and the sick and wounded, in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. The deal outlines specific criteria for the hostage-for-prisoner swap,...

After 470 days of war, a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip allowed some hostages to return to Israel, Palestinian prisoners to be released, and displaced Gazans to search for their homes. The deal, lasting 42 days, raised hopes for peace but left unresolved issues. Masked gunmen and Hamas police showed their power post-ceasefire, while both sides remained wary of future conflicts despite moments of joy and relief amidst the devastation. Full Article

Masked Hamas militants handed over three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in a chaotic scene in Gaza City, surrounded by a dense crowd chanting "Allahu Akbar". The first release under a new ceasefire agreement saw the women receiving certificates and gift bags before crossing to Red Cross SUVs amid a large gathering of armed Hamas fighters and enthusiastic onlookers, celebrating in Saraya Square. Full Article

In the first phase of the Hamas-Israel cease-fire agreement, three female hostages were freed and transferred to Israeli custody by the Red Cross in Gaza. Among them were Romi Gonen, captured at a music festival; Emily Damari, taken from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Azza; and Doron Steinbrecher, a veterinary nurse with Romanian and Israeli citizenship. These releases are part of a larger effort to free a total of 33 hostages, including women, children, and...