Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Hostage Release and Ongoing Disputes

2025-01-25 18:00:50.045

Following a ceasefire agreement, four Israeli female soldiers held captive by Hamas for 15 months were released and reunited with their families. The release was accompanied by a Hamas show of force, highlighting their continued presence despite the war. However, the release of a civilian hostage, Arbel Yehud, was delayed, causing a dispute between Israel and Hamas. Israel claims Yehud is a civilian and should have been released, while the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) claims she is a soldier and will be released later. This dispute led to Israel preventing Gazan civilians from returning to their homes in northern Gaza. Concurrently, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences. The situation remains tense, with ongoing negotiations and concerns about remaining hostages.