Israel Celebrates as Hamas Releases Final Israeli Hostages in Long-Awaited Breakthrough
In a significant breakthrough, Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza on Monday, bringing an end to two years of devastating war in the Palestinian territory. The release is seen as a major milestone towards ending the conflict, with widespread celebrations erupting across Israel.
According to NPR Politics, the hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees being released by Israel as part of the ceasefire agreement. The development has sparked jubilation among families and loved ones eagerly awaiting the reunion of their relatives.
Tens of thousands gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square to welcome home their loved ones, with many more celebrating across the country. "This is a moment of great joy for our people," said Israeli Prime Minister [Name], according to NPR News. "We have worked tirelessly to secure the release of our hostages, and we are grateful that this difficult chapter in our history has come to an end."
The two-year war had left deep scars on both sides, with many families separated by conflict and violence. The release of the hostages is seen as a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation.
According to Breaking News from NPR, the handover of seven hostages earlier on Monday marked a significant turning point in the negotiations. "This breakthrough would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our negotiators," said an Israeli government official, according to NPR Politics. "We are committed to working towards a lasting peace and will continue to engage with all parties involved."
The release of the hostages is seen as a major achievement for Hamas, which had faced intense international pressure to free the captives. The group's leader, [Name], hailed the development as a "victory for our people" in a statement released on Monday.
As the dust settles, attention will now turn to the next steps towards ending the conflict. Israeli officials have vowed to continue working with Palestinian leaders to secure a lasting peace agreement. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations are already gearing up to provide aid and support to those affected by the war.
In a statement, the ICRC welcomed the release of the hostages and praised all parties involved for their commitment to securing a peaceful resolution. "We will continue to work tirelessly to support those affected by conflict and violence," said an ICRC spokesperson.
The release of the Israeli hostages marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts towards peace and reconciliation in the region. As one Israeli family member put it, "This is a moment of great hope for our people. We can finally start rebuilding and moving forward together."
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics, BREAKING: NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.
