The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has culminated in the release of 90 Palestinian detainees, coinciding with the return of three Israeli hostages from Gaza. This significant development marks a crucial step in the fragile truce that was established after a prolonged period of conflict.

Following weeks of intense negotiations, the first three hostages—Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher—were brought back to Israel on January 19, reuniting with their families amid emotional scenes captured on camera. All three had been held captive by Hamas since the onset of the conflict initiated by the October 7 attacks. Celebratory crowds gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate their return, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu restating that “an entire nation embraces you” (Le Monde).

Hours after the hostages' release, Israel commenced the transfer of 90 Palestinian detainees from Ofer prison near Ramallah. These prisoners, primarily women and minors, had been held for various offenses linked to security concerns, including stone-throwing and more serious allegations such as attempted murder. Despite the festive atmosphere surrounding their release, many Palestinians criticized the late-night timing of the prisoner transfer, viewing it as an attempt by Israeli authorities to downplay celebrations. The Israeli military had previously warned against public displays of jubilation (India Times).

Among those released was Khalida Jarrar, a veteran member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), who had been held since December 2023 under indefinite administrative detention orders, a practice condemned by human rights advocates. Also released were Dalal Khaseeb, the sister of a former senior Hamas official killed in an airstrike earlier this year, and Abla Abdelrasoul, wife of imprisoned PFLP leader Ahmad Saadat.

This exchange is part of a broader ceasefire deal in which Hamas has agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages from Gaza over a period of six weeks in return for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees (Le Monde). As tensions persist in the region, the success of this ceasefire remains to be seen as negotiations for future phases commence.