Rev. Shaji Karackal
New York: The first phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, spearheaded by President Donald Trump, is now in effect, with hostage releases underway and Israeli forces partially withdrawing from northern Gaza. This marks a tentative halt to the nearly two-year conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023. Below is a breakdown of the key developments from the past 24-48 hours, based on real-time reports. Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Progress. No major violations have been confirmed.
Hamas has begun handing over the 20 confirmed living Israeli hostages (out of 48 total held, including foreign nationals) via Red Cross vehicles in southern Gaza. The first groups crossed into Israel early Monday morning (local time), with emotional reunions reported at Reim military base in southern Israel. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was on-site to oversee the process. Hamas published the names of the living hostages on Sunday, including the Berman twins (Gali and Ziv) and Emily Damari. The bodies of the 28 deceased hostages are expected to follow in later phases, though recovery from rubble could take longer.
Israel has freed approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including 250 serving life sentences, transported by bus to Gaza and the West Bank. Crowds greeted the buses with chants and flags in Khan Younis and Ramallah.
Hamas had demanded seven high-profile figures (e.g., Marwan Barghouti), but the released list excludes them—Hamas counts these separately from the 250 total.
Hamas had until 12:00 PM local time (10:00 GMT) Monday to complete the living hostage handover. Israel began its troop pullback 24 hours after Cabinet approval on October 9, halting active operations at noon local time on October 10. Ceasefire Implementation and Military Movements.
The ceasefire activated at noon local time on October 10, with Israeli forces withdrawing to pre-agreed lines near Gaza City while maintaining a presence in the Strip to “remove immediate threats.” Thousands of displaced Palestinians are trekking north to ruined homes in Gaza City and Sheikh Radwan, driven by desperation despite widespread destruction—many report homes obliterated and a severe tent shortage.
En route from a Knesset address in Jerusalem—where he received standing ovations Trump is heading to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for a global peace summit starting today. Over 20 leaders, including Canada’s Mark Carney, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Olaf Scholz, and the UK’s Keir Starmer, are attending to discuss reconstruction, disarmament, and long-term governance. Trump declared the “war is over,” crediting his 20-point plan, but Netanyahu clarified it’s “not over” until Hamas is dismantled. Netanyahu declined Trump’s summit invite due to a Jewish holiday.
International Reactions: The EU, UN, and Arab states (Egypt, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia) hailed the deal as a “positive first step,” with guarantees from guarantor nations to enforce implementation. Russia’s Lavrov emphasized a unified Palestinian state per UN resolutions for lasting peace. Pope Leo XIV called for prayers during a Vatican mass.
Amid the hopeful first steps of conflict resolution, analysts call it a “draw,” with Hamas weakened but not eliminated, and Israel facing domestic pressure from far-right ministers threatening coalition collapse if Hamas retains influence. Thornier phases—full Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, international peacekeeping, and Gaza governance (potentially excluding Hamas and empowering the Palestinian Authority)—remain unresolved and could falter without sustained U.S. and regional pressure.
