Ceasefire begins as hostages exchanged amid 15-month Gaza war

A truce between Israel and Hamas came into effect Sunday, marking a temporary halt in a 15-month-long conflict that has devastated Gaza. The ceasefire was brokered by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt after intense negotiations.

On the first day of the agreement, Hamas released three Israeli hostages; while Israel freed 90 Palestinian detainees, all women or teens. The arrangement outlines the release of 33 Israeli hostages and additional Palestinian prisoners in phases over six weeks.

The war, which began 15 months ago, has claimed nearly 47,000 Palestinian lives, with more than 7,000 women and children killed, according to local authorities. The conflict has also injured nearly 111,000 Palestinians and displaced 1.4 million people, forcing many into overcrowded shelters.

Gaza’s healthcare system has been severely impacted, with 35 hospitals bombed by the Israeli military, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

As the ceasefire took hold, Palestinian families returned to destroyed neighborhoods, while aid trucks delivered much-needed relief supplies. Israel warned against public celebrations in the West Bank, but crowds gathered, waving flags and cheering as released Palestinian prisoners arrived.

Both sides remain cautious about the deal, with international mediators urging them to uphold the agreement. The truce brings a brief reprieve to a region scarred by violence, offering a glimmer of hope for peace.