Gaza War Ends with Grim Reminder: Israel's Hostages Freed, but Questions Linger

The Bleak Lesson Israel — and the World — Might Learn from the Gaza War's End TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - OCTOBER 13, 2025 - After weeks of anticipation, a prisoner exchange marked the beginning of the end of the brutal two-year war in Gaza on Monday. Hamas freed the 20 living Israeli hostages it was still holding from the October 7, 2023 attacks, in exchange for Israel releasing around 1,700 Palestinian prisoners. The prisoner exchange is the first phase of a 20-point deal proposed by President Donald Trump in September. Trump's visit to the region on Monday marked a significant moment in the fragile peace process. "It's worth celebrating," said Dr. Amal Jamal, a Middle East expert at Tel Aviv University. "But there's reason to fear what it portends." The war has left deep scars and raised questions about the future of international conflict. The Gaza Strip, home to over two million Palestinians, has been under siege since 2007. "It's not just about Israel and Palestine," said Dr. Jamal. "It's a global issue. We're seeing more and more conflicts around the world that are driven by nationalist sentiment and ideological extremism." The prisoner exchange is seen as a crucial step towards peace, but many experts warn that it may only be a temporary solution. "The deal is a Band-Aid on a much deeper wound," said Dr. Jamal. "We need to address the root causes of the conflict, not just its symptoms." The war has also raised questions about the role of external powers in regional conflicts. The United States, under Trump's leadership, has been actively involved in mediating the peace process. "The US has a significant stake in this conflict," said Dr. Jamal. "But we need to be careful not to impose our own solutions on the parties involved." The prisoner exchange is just the first step towards implementing the 20-point deal proposed by Trump. The next phase will involve Israel's withdrawal from parts of the Gaza Strip and the establishment of a temporary government. As the region breathes a sigh of relief, many experts warn that the war may not be over yet. "We need to be cautious," said Dr. Jamal. "The road to peace is long and difficult." In the meantime, the international community will be watching closely as the situation unfolds. "It's a moment of hope," said Dr. Jamal. "But we must not forget the lessons of history." *Reporting by Vox.*