Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Phase One: Hostages Released, Prisoners Freed

Mid-October, after nearly two years of fighting, Israel and Hamas implemented the first phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that saw the release of the last 20 living Israeli hostages from Gaza and the freeing of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, but the truce remained fragile as questions over bodies, governance, security and reconstruction persisted.

Under the arrangement, brokered by President Donald Trump and formalized at an international summit in Egypt, Hamas handed over 20 surviving captives to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which transferred them to Israeli authorities. Israel began releasing roughly 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds convicted of serious offences and about 1,700 held since October 2023. President Trump called the exchange a landmark moment, saying it offered a “whole new beginning,” while international partners convened in Sharm el-Sheikh to endorse the first phase and discuss longer term stabilization.

Key elements of the deal remain contested. The agreement envisaged the return of the remains of 28 Israelis who officials say died in Gaza. Hamas has handed over multiple bodies but told mediators it has...