Tel Aviv/Gaza, January 19 – 50
After prolonged negotiations with the terrorist group HAMAS, over 30 hostages are set to be freed in a three-phase exchange. Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned HAMAS to strike a deal or face serious consequences.
Delegations from Egypt, Qatar, Israel, the United States, and Europe worked tirelessly on the agreement. Despite facing numerous challenges up until the final moments, anxiety remained high. But then, the long-awaited day of freedom arrived.
After 471 days in captivity, Emily Damari, Doron Steinbrecher, and Romi Gonen were released. Amid the loud cries of HAMAS supporters and under tight security by armed HAMAS guards, the three former hostages were handed over to International Red Cross representatives and driven to safety.
It remains to be seen if the deal will hold. In the first phase, living hostages will be released, followed by Israeli military hostages in the second phase, and finally, the deceased.
While celebrations erupted in Israel and around the world, the Palestinians are unlikely to view this as a victory over the Jews and the despised Americans. Realpolitik will take over, and the future looks grim for Palestine.
Hatred lingers in the air, with revenge talk spreading, and it remains uncertain if a sustainable peace can be achieved in these war-torn lands.