The Moment Of Release Of Palestinian And Israeli Hostages, Gazans Shout 'God Is Great'

Khan Younis society in Gaza sought safety from Israeli attacks that made many civilians victims when the January 2025 ceasefire had not yet occurred. (UNRWA)

JAKARTA - Palestinians throughout Gaza are starting to return home. While the first trucks carried a wave of humanitarian aid starting to enter the destroyed Palestinian territories.

The ceasefire, which began on Sunday, January 19, raises hopes for the return of prisoners held hostage by Hamas-Israel who have been fighting since October 7, 2023.

However, the big question is, will the Hamas-Israeli war continue after a six-week ceasefire in Gaza ends?

Release of hostages

Hamas released three hostages in the first phase of release in Gaza, followed by Israel releasing Palestinian hostages from prisons managed by Israeli soldiers.

Emily Damari, 28; Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, were released by Hamas through the Red Cross on Jalan Gaza City. This activity was seen directly by thousands of people, including men wearing masks and Hamas green headbands.

The Red Cross was brought by the Red Cross which was then handed over to the Israeli military. Upon arrival in Israel, these three hostages were greeted with the arms of family members.

In Tel Aviv, thousands of people gathered to watch the news together (nobar) on the big screen while applauding. For months each week, many Israelis gather in the square demanding a ceasefire agreement.

"The whole nation is protecting you," said Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu.

Seven hours later, the first Palestinian hostages were released. They were detained on the pretext of committing a security breach threatening Israel, such as throwing stones to more serious charges of attempted murder.

The Israeli military, which occupies the West Bank, warned Palestinians not to celebrate in public regarding the release of hostages after 1 a.m. However, crowds crowded buses carrying released Palestinian hostages while leaving prison.

Some people even climbed onto the bus waving flags, including the Hamas flag. There were fireworks and whistles, as well as shouts of "God Almighty". The hostages released by Israel were carried on the shoulders of people until they were hugged.

Israel's most prominent hostage was Khalida Jarrar, 62, a member of the secular left faction involved in the attack on Israel in the 1970s but then reduced its militant activity.

Since his arrest in late 2023, Khalida has been detained under an indefinite extension of administrative detention order criticized by human rights groups.

The release of hostages and next detainees will take place on Saturday this week. A total of 33 hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released during the first phase of the ceasefire for 42 days.

In just two weeks, continued ceasefire talks will begin in a much more serious second phase.