On 19 January, crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, celebrating the release of Israeli hostages, people crying with joy watching live feed from their road to freedom.
As the women were transferred from Hamas to the Red Cross, emotions ran high with families embracing one another, weeping and cheering.
In the West Bank, joy was delayed, but after midnight on 20 January, 90 Palestinian prisoners were freed from Israeli jails.
Meanwhile, aid trucks began entering Gaza, and displaced residents attempted to return home despite the devastation.
The first Israelis released were Emily Damari, 28, Doron Steinbrecher, 31, and Romi Gonen, 24, who were kidnapped during 7 October, 2023, Hamas attacks on southern Israeli communities.
Pope Francis praised the ceasefire agreement, and President Biden called it a milestone in negotiations.
The deal includes phased releases of hostages and prisoners, with hopes for peace and humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza.
As joy intertwined with trepidation both in Israel and in the Palestinian territories, Pope Francis said that both Israelis and Palestinians need “clear signs of hope,” as he trusted that their political leaders with the help of the international community would yet be able to reach “the right solution” for the two states.
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