Israel officials stated they expect all 20 remaining living captives held by Hamas in Gaza to return early Monday. This exchange forms a crucial part of the new ceasefire and precedes a high-profile peace summit in Egypt led by United States President Donald Trump.
Breakthrough in Long-Running Conflict
The war began on October 7, 2023, with Hamas attacks that killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 captives taken. Israel’s response caused over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and massive destruction in Gaza, according to health officials there.
Now, after two years, this deal offers hope. Hamas will transfer the captives to the Red Cross for medical checks at an Israeli base in Gaza before family reunions in Israel.
Israel will then release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 with life sentences. However, key figures like Marwan Barghouti remain detained. Some releases happen in the West Bank, with rules against public celebrations or media talks.
The agreement also includes returning bodies of 28 deceased captives, adding emotional weight to the process.
Recent updates show Trump declared the war over as he prepared for his Israel visit. This aligns with his reelection push for Middle East peace in 2025.
Details of the Captive and Prisoner Swap
Government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian confirmed the group release early Monday, a change from past staggered exchanges.
Families have mixed feelings of joy and grief. Some captives include soldiers and civilians held since 2023.
Key aspects include:
- Captives alive: 20 to be freed together via Red Cross.
- Bodies returned: 28 confirmed dead in captivity.
- Palestinian frees: 2,000 detainees, many without charges.
- Timeline: Releases start after captives cross into Israel.
Aid efforts ramp up, with trucks entering Gaza Sunday. Yet, distribution lags for people needing food, shelters, and medicine after years of hardship.
Trump’s Push for Peace Takes Center Stage
Trump spearheaded this deal, visiting Israel Monday to meet families and address parliament before the Egypt summit.
He boards Air Force One after calling the war ended. The plan involves Israeli withdrawals from northern Gaza areas, though they control over half the territory.
Palestinians returning home find ruins. Reporters describe neighborhoods as wastelands, with no homes or services left.
This fits into 2025 global shifts, like reduced conflicts elsewhere and renewed focus on humanitarian crises.
Egypt Summit Seeks Broader Stability
The Sharm el-Sheikh summit, co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, gathers over 20 leaders on Monday.
Attendees include United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Israel and Hamas skip it, but Egypt calls it historic for peace.
| Element | Summit Highlights |
|---|---|
| Co-Chairs | Trump and el-Sisi |
| Date and Place | October 13, 2025, Sharm el-Sheikh |
| Focus Areas | Ceasefire enforcement, aid boosts, rebuilding plans |
| Expected Results | Global pledges for Gaza recovery, stability talks |
Discussions may cover full withdrawals and long-term aid, vital for Gaza’s 2 million residents.
Hurdles in Gaza’s Path to Recovery
Displaced Palestinians face devastation. Many lost everything, relying on aid for survival without bank access or savings.
Humanitarian groups push for more supplies like tents and solar panels. Dozens of trucks arrived, but it’s a drop in the bucket.
Rebuilding estimates run into billions, with years needed to restore infrastructure. The summit could secure funds, but political tensions linger.
The ceasefire is fragile, with both sides monitoring closely. Violations could undo gains.
Experts note this echoes past deals, but Trump’s involvement adds momentum. Global reactions vary, with praise from allies and calls for more from critics.
Worldwide Views on the Deal
Leaders worldwide welcome the step. The United States sees it as a diplomatic win, while Arab nations demand full peace.
In Israel, public support grows for ending the war. Gaza residents hope for normalcy after extreme deprivation.
This event links to 2025 trends, including Trump’s foreign policy and rising calls for Middle East solutions.
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