In a landmark development, Israel and Hamas initiated a tentative ceasefire agreement on Monday by exchanging prisoners and hostages, marking a pivotal moment in the two-year conflict that has ravaged Gaza. The U.S.-mediated deal has ignited cautious optimism for a potential resolution to the protracted crisis, according to an AP News report. However, significant challenges persist, including Hamas’s potential disarmament, the governance of Gaza, and the broader issue of Palestinian statehood, underscoring the fragility of the accord. The release of the remaining 20 living hostages brought a sense of relief and closure to many Israelis, though efforts to recover those who perished in Gaza remain ongoing. Meanwhile, celebrations erupted in Beitunia, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and Khan Younis in Gaza, as 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences for attacks on Israelis, alongside 1,700 others detained without charges, were freed. Mahmoud Fayez, a detainee released after being held since last year, expressed gratitude, stating, “Praise be to God, our Lord, who has honored us with this release and this joy.” The release of hostages has alleviated some urgency to end the war, reducing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite subsequent phases of the agreement. As part of the initial ceasefire, four deceased hostages were returned to Israel, with 24 more expected soon. The deal also mandates Israel to facilitate a surge of humanitarian aid—food, medicine, and essentials—into Gaza. Despite the celebrations, Gaza’s residents face a grim reality: the territory remains devastated by Israeli bombardments, with its economy in ruins, essential services disrupted, and countless homes destroyed. Netanyahu, absent from the Egypt meeting due to a Jewish holiday, assured the Israeli parliament of his commitment to the deal, claiming it “ends the war by achieving all our objectives.” U.S. President Donald Trump, visiting the region to celebrate the progress, urged Israeli lawmakers to seize the opportunity for broader Middle East peace. In Egypt, Trump and other global leaders convened to address the agreement’s complexities and lay the groundwork for future negotiations.