A tense atmosphere hangs over the region as Israel and Gaza stand on the brink of a pivotal moment: the release of hostages and prisoners. This highly anticipated event, set to take place on Monday, is a critical step towards potentially ending the two-year war in Gaza.
Hamas, the militant group, has agreed to release all living hostages from Gaza within a strict 72-hour timeframe, a deadline that looms large. With 48 hostages in their custody, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, the world watches with bated breath.
But here's where it gets controversial: an international taskforce will be tasked with finding the remains of those hostages not released by the deadline. Many fear that these individuals may be buried beneath the rubble of the devastated Gaza Strip.
In a reciprocal move, Israel is preparing to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. The majority of these detainees will be sent to Gaza or exiled to neighboring countries, although the exact timing remains uncertain.
As the world holds its breath, US President Donald Trump is set to visit Jerusalem on Monday. He will speak at the Knesset and meet with the families of the hostages, his presence adding an air of importance to the proceedings.
Trump will then travel to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to co-chair a "peace summit" with leaders from over 20 countries. The aim? To finalize a permanent truce in Gaza and bring an end to the devastating conflict.
Despite Trump's optimism, the path ahead is far from clear. He believes a ceasefire will continue, stating that "they're all tired of the fighting." But with most of the details of his 20-point plan still to be negotiated, the future remains uncertain.
The Palestinians, having endured two years of an Israeli campaign that has left over 67,000 dead and 170,000 wounded, are desperate for a permanent end to the war. A UN commission and several human rights bodies have accused Israel of conducting genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel vehemently denies.
In Israel, preparations are underway to welcome the returning hostages. Military bases are ready to receive and examine the hostages before they are transferred to hospitals, which have conducted drills to ensure they are prepared.
"We are very excited, waiting for our son and for all the 48 hostages," said Hagai Angrest, whose son Matan is among those still held in Gaza. The emotional weight of this statement is palpable.
Tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv's "Hostages Square" on Sunday night, cheering and celebrating as US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner spoke. Witkoff's words, "I dreamed of this night. It's been a long journey," resonated deeply with the crowd.
In the occupied West Bank, families are also preparing to welcome their loved ones home from Israeli jails. Israeli authorities have asked these families to keep their celebrations subdued and limit their interactions with the media.
Around 2,000 Palestinian detainees are expected to be released at the same time as the hostages. Of these, 1,700 are detainees from Gaza, while 250 are long-term prisoners of Israel, including Palestinian leaders. Half of these long-term prisoners will be released to Gaza or exiled, while the other half will return to the West Bank or East Jerusalem.
As the hostage swap preparations continue, humanitarian groups are gearing up to provide much-needed aid to Gaza. The Israeli military agency Cogat, which oversees humanitarian aid, expects around 600 trucks to enter the strip each day, starting on Sunday. This will restore aid to prewar levels, a much-needed boost after months of severely restricted access.
The UN has approximately 170,000 metric tonnes of food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid ready to enter Gaza once Israel gives the green light. Tents, high-energy food for malnourished children, and menstrual hygiene supplies are among the prioritized items.
The restoration of regular aid is a key component of Trump's plan. The UN will once again coordinate supplies into Gaza, having been barred from doing so for months.
The role of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which was intended to replace the UN in aid distribution, is unclear. Its sites in Gaza have ceased operations since the ceasefire deal began, and its model of distribution has been widely criticized. Overcrowding and death marred its efforts, with more than 1,000 people shot by Israeli soldiers during chaotic scrambles for food. The foundation denies any wrongdoing.
The US will deploy up to 200 troops in Israel to assist with stabilization efforts in Gaza. These troops will advise the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) from within Israel, but will not be deployed inside Gaza itself.
Adm Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, met with Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir while traveling to Gaza alongside Witkoff and Kushner. His visit is a key part of the establishment of the CMCC.
As the clock ticks down to Monday's deadline, the world watches with a mix of hope and trepidation. Will this hostage-detainee swap be the first step towards a lasting peace, or will it merely be a temporary respite in a long and bloody conflict? Only time will tell.
