The unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has reached a turning point. While hostages have been released and U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans for a historic diplomatic visit, their nuclear ambitions remain. So far, the bodies of 26 hostages officially confirmed dead remain in Gaza. In the meantime, we look forward to meeting the releasees, still living, very soon. And the humanitarian catastrophe, already unprecedented, expands on a daily basis. In fact, according to reports, 324 people have died in Gaza hospitals in the last three days, 295 of these people pulled out from under the rubble.
Just yesterday, President Trump landed in Jerusalem. He was greeted with open arms by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Knesset. This visit comes at a time of increased tension between Israel and Hamas. A tenuous ceasefire deal holds, with hopes of obtaining the release of additional hostages.
Since the latest hostilities began on 7 October 2023, 1,700 Palestinians have been arrested and unlawfully held in detention without charge. Families of those security personnel are anxiously awaiting reunions with their loved ones. Hundreds of people in Gaza are looking forward to the release of 1,718 Palestinian detainees currently held in Israel. As of this release, the stop-start U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is just getting underway. It further opens the door for the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners who are life-sentenced.
In a welcome turn of events, the Israeli military has acknowledged the release of seven hostages. They were brought to the Re’im military compound for preliminary medical checks and to reunite with their families. After their evaluations, these people will be taken to hospitals where they can receive the proper treatment.
On his way to Israel President Trump seemed hopeful that the ceasefire agreement would stick.
“This is my great honor — a great and beautiful day. A new beginning.” – US President Donald Trump
Back to Israel whose mood is ecstatic and celebratory. Israeli activists have created an enormous floating welcome home sign on an Israeli beach at Tel Aviv, welcoming the return of the hostages and appreciating US President Trump’s efforts in helping brokering the ceasefire agreement.
The returned hostages are home and healthy. Now, all 20 surviving people taken to Gaza are accounted for and confirmed to be in Israeli custody. Among them was Ziv Berman, who happily reunited with his brother Gali after both were released.
As relief and technical negotiations continue, the humanitarian crisis is still unparalleled. Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, admitted there were challenges in realizing any durable peace.
“Securing peace in Gaza will be extraordinarily complex.” – Kaja Kallas
The landscape is still in flux as families hold vigil for news of their loved ones. With recent action comes a renewed sense of hope and a sense of anxiety. More important than anything, they remind us of our desperate need for a sustainable solution.
