On Sunday, January 19, 2025, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect at 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT), following tense negotiations and growing international pressure. This pause in hostilities was a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, intended to allow for the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
As part of the first phase of this fragile truce, three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, marking a critical development in the tense situation. This exchange was met with cautious optimism, as it underscored the potential for further dialogue, despite the volatile context.
In return for the release of the Israeli captives, Israel freed approximately 90 Palestinian prisoners early Monday morning. This reciprocal gesture was seen as part of the broader arrangement to build confidence between the two parties and maintain the fragile ceasefire.
Looking ahead, further exchanges are scheduled. If the ceasefire holds, the next round is set for January 25, when Hamas is expected to release four living female hostages. In exchange, Israel will release between 30 to 50 Palestinian detainees for each hostage.
While the ceasefire has brought a temporary respite, the long-term stability of this arrangement remains uncertain, with both sides watching closely to see whether the commitment to future exchanges will endure.
Image from rawpixel
