October 24, 2025/Midnight
Erie, PA. – According to CNN, on Monday, 2000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held by the Israeli government were released into Gaza and the West Bank. Additionally, all 20 surviving Israeli hostages were freed by Hamas after spending more than 2 years in captivity. The release of hostages and prisoners is a part of phase one of a ceasefire deal, brokered by the United States, signed on Oct. 13.
In addition to the living hostages, CBS News reports Hamas has released the confirmed remains of eight out of the 28 dead. With the significant piles of rubble obstructing recovery efforts, Hamas has yet to locate the other 20 deceased hostages.
France 24 reports that Israel’s hospitals are treating the retrieved Israeli hostages. Former captives are experiencing refeeding syndrome, which can develop if food is introduced too quickly after periods of starvation. This condition comes from excess feeding by their captors before returning hostages to their homes. Along with medical assistance, humanitarian aid is to be sent to those who have suffered hunger and deprivation.
Since Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners have received medical assistance, Israeli military has begun pulling troops out of the Gaza Strip. Compared to previous ceasefire negotiations, this deal has already made steps towards peace in the initial stages.
According to NBC News, there were accusations of Israeli airstrikes launched at Gaza. Israeli officials claim Hamas had committed “blatant violations of the ceasefire agreement.” Based on a report from the Gazan Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes left at least 51 Palestinians dead.
NBC News reports Izzat Al-Rishq, a senior member of Hamas’ political wing, said the group “affirms its commitment to the ceasefire agreement.”
Israel and Hamas have made public statements going back and forth over who the guilty party is between the opposing states. Both sides claim to honor and accurately fulfill the ceasefire, and both have claimed the other has acted against the clearly defined regulations.
In a statement, President Trump warned Hamas that it would be “eradicated” if Hamas failed to comply with the ceasefire terms.
Since the beginning of this deal, tensions have been extremely high. There is still uncertainty about whether this ceasefire will continue. Israeli and Palestinian citizens await the end of this brutal and costly war.
