Twenty Israeli hostages who had been held captive for over two years were set for release on Sunday, along with close to 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The hostages, starving, wounded, and distressed, were being gathered in Gaza by their Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad captors for a mass release. Despite their weakened state, preparations were being made for their journey to freedom with tearful loved ones awaiting their arrival.
The operation to collect all 20 hostages inside Gaza was carried out over recent days, with efforts to conceal their location by the terror groups. Israeli sources expected the hostages to be handed over early on Monday, with special forces on standby to prevent any potential mobbing by Palestinian crowds.
Following the October 7 massacre that led to their captivity, the hostages were being readied for handover to the Red Cross. Upon release, they were to be taken to Israeli hospitals for medical assessments and urgent care if needed.
In a separate development, Palestinian prisoners were also being prepared for release and transport to Gaza or neighboring countries. The process was part of a broader peace agreement involving various countries and international partners.
As the situation unfolded, efforts continued to locate the bodies of deceased hostages, with a multinational team collaborating on the search. Meanwhile, Palestinians returning to their homes in Gaza faced heart-wrenching scenes of destruction and loss.
In the diplomatic arena, discussions over the UK’s role in the ceasefire and recognition of Palestinian statehood stirred controversy. Despite differing views on the peace process, efforts were being made to ensure stability in the region.
The peace plan brokered by the US president outlined security arrangements for Gaza, with international involvement to maintain peace and security in the area. Notable figures like Tony Blair were poised to play roles in overseeing governance and aid distribution in Gaza.
The Gaza war, which stemmed from a militant attack on Israel, resulted in significant casualties and prompted international intervention to restore peace and stability in the region.