Israel and Hamas swap hostages, but is this the end?

Israel and Hamas swapped living hostages today, but the future of Gaza and the ceasefire remains uncertain.

After signing on to Trump’s 20-point peace plan last week, Israel and Hamas exchanged hostages this morning. Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, who then handed them over to the Israeli military. In exchange, Israel is set to release nearly 2000 Palestinian prisoners- many of whom, including women and children, were taken hostage by the Israeli military in the past two years.

Israel has refused to release two detained Palestinian doctors, including pediatrician Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital. Attorneys who have been allowed only infrequent access to Dr. Safiya have expressed grave concerns about his health and treatment in Israel’s notorious Ofer prison.

Both sides have acknowledged that not all of the remains of deceased Israeli hostages will be returning in the short term. A statement from a group of Israeli hostages’ families expressed outrage that remains from only 4 of the 28 deceased hostages will be returned today.

In many cases, hostages remain buried in the rubble of buildings bombed by Israel, along with over 10,ooo deceased Palestinians. There are plans for an international task force to uncover and identify remains of Israeli hostages that have not yet been found or recovered. IT’s also possible that Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu may use this as a pretext to resume the war, even though this would only further delay recovery of remains.

Situation in Gaza and future of ceasefire remain uncertain

Under the agreement, Israel is required to allow in a minimum of 600 aid truck a day into Gaza, starting Monday. In addition to much needed food aid, the trucks will also carry medical aid and equipment to build shelters. What isn’t entirely clear is who will be distributing this aid.

President Trump arrived in Israel today and addressed the Knesset. Trump has insisted that the war between Hamas and Israel “is over”, while Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu claims Israel’s Gaza “campaign” will continue. Netanyahu is already trying to redefine the terms of the agreement by demanding that Hamas completely disarm before Israel’s military fully withdraws from Gaza. This does not bode well for the chances of the ceasefire holding, despite Trump’s optimism on that point.

Meanwhile, Hamas is quickly re-establishing control in areas of Gaza where the Israeli military has withdrawn. They are also pursuing members of rival groups who were armed and protected by the Israeli military. One of their key targets is the so-called “Popular Forces”, run by ISIS-affiliated Israeli collaborator Yasser Abu Shabab.

Following ceasefire announcement Israeli troops torched homes, food and a sewage treatment plant in Gaza.