A Day That Could Reshape The Region As Israelis And Palestinians Face A New Reality

On Monday, the last 20 living hostages held in Gaza were liberated, marking a moment of joy as families reunited amidst the ongoing discussions of Gaza’s future and the next stages of the US-mediated ceasefire. For the first time in over two years, Hamas lacks any living captives. Concurrently, Israel released 1,718 Palestinian detainees held without charge, along with 250 long-term prisoners. During his address to the Knesset, US President Donald Trump declared this as the end of a "long and painful nightmare," emphasizing a new era for the Middle East, although aspects of the negotiated 20-point plan remain unresolved. Emotional scenes unfolded as former hostages returned home, while a plan for a governing authority in Gaza still looms large. Experts warn of the need for stability and basic services post-conflict, and the tension surrounding Hamas's future role in Palestinian governance continues to spark concern amid this complex transition.