Ceasefire deal signals new hope for Gaza peace as Israel and Hamas prepare a major prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid begins reaching civilians in desperate need.
In a significant turn in the Israel–Hamas conflict, both sides are preparing to exchange captives in a move that could mark a step toward ending one of the deadliest wars in recent history.
According to officials, Israel and Hamas are set to release 20 Israeli captives held in Gaza in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange is expected to take place within hours, under a new ceasefire agreement aimed at stabilizing the region after months of devastating violence.
Adding to the momentum, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the “war in Gaza is over” as he traveled to the Middle East. Trump is scheduled to address the Israeli Knesset and co-chair a summit in Egypt, where leaders will discuss the terms of the ceasefire deal and future peace efforts.
Meanwhile, Palestinians are returning to what remains of their homes in northern Gaza, where scenes of destruction stretch across neighborhoods. Humanitarian aid has begun to trickle in, bringing some relief to families who have endured months of shortages. Yet, officials warn that food, medicine, and essential supplies are still critically limited.
Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, the toll has been staggering: at least 67,806 Palestinians have been killed and 170,066 wounded in Gaza, while 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7 attacks, when around 200 captives were taken.
The latest developments offer a glimmer of hope, but lasting peace remains uncertain. As leaders gather to formalize the ceasefire and oversee the hostage release, the world watches to see if this exchange will finally bring a turning point in the Gaza war.