The first exchange of hostages and prisoners took place on Sunday under the newly brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, signaling a crucial step in the effort to end more than 15 months of war in Gaza. Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of three Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

The three Israeli women, who had been in captivity since Hamas’s October 2023 attack, were reunited with their families and transferred to hospitals in Israel in stable condition. Following the exchange, large crowds gathered in the West Bank to celebrate the release of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom had spent years in Israeli detention.

As the ceasefire came into effect, war-weary Palestinians began the long journey back to their homes, many of which were left in ruins. In the northern Gaza city of Jabalia, returning residents like Rana Mohsen expressed a mix of relief and sorrow, describing their homes as nothing more than rubble. The truce, brokered by mediators from Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, is also expected to allow the delivery of critical humanitarian aid, with the UN reporting that the first trucks of supplies began entering Gaza shortly after the ceasefire started.

While the truce offers a much-needed reprieve, the situation remains dire, with widespread destruction, especially in northern Gaza, leaving many without basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. Humanitarian organizations like the WHO and the World Food Programme are working to provide aid but face significant challenges due to the severity of the crisis.

This initial phase of the truce aims to facilitate further hostage exchanges, with hopes that it will eventually lead to a permanent ceasefire, although much uncertainty remains about the future of the agreement.