AssetID: 54445257
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Hamas and Israel Begin Ceasefire with Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Amid Uncertain Future
Caption: Hamas and Israel Begin Ceasefire with Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Amid Uncertain Future. Hamas released three Israeli hostages, while Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners on the first day of a truce, halting 15 months of war, Reuters report. The ceasefire allowed Palestinians to return to bombed-out neighborhoods, with relief trucks bringing essential aid. Celebrations erupted in Gaza as Hamas fighters appeared publicly. Buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah to fireworks and thousands of supporters. Those released included 69 women and 21 teenage boys. In Tel Aviv, three Israeli women—Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari—were reunited with their families, appearing in good health after months in captivity. Since October 2023, more than 47,000 Palestinians and 400 Israeli soldiers have died. Nearly all 2.3 million Gaza residents have been displaced. The truce includes releasing 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Aid will continue to flow into Gaza as fighting remains suspended. The ceasefire followed last-minute Israeli airstrikes, which killed 13 Palestinians. Both sides blamed delays in the hostage list for the strikes. Outgoing President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire, crediting U.S. pressure on Hamas and pledging continued support for Israel. Hamas fighters emerged publicly, but questions remain about Gaza's post-war governance. Israeli hardliners demand Hamas be dismantled before peace talks continue. While some in Gaza celebrated, others mourned the loss and devastation. Ahmed Abu Ayham of Gaza City reflected, "We are in pain, deep pain... it's time to hug one another and cry.” Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Hamas,Israel,Gaza,Palestine,Hostage,Prisoner,Exchange,Uncertain,Future,Gaza Strip,Hamas Fighters,Ceasefire,Joe Biden,Administration,Biden,US,United States,Politics
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