By Peterside Rejoice, Abuja
As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas enters its third day, hopes are high in the Middle East as the last batch of Israeli hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released on Monday morning, just before the 72-hour deadline elapses.
According to reports, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israel will also regain their freedom under the terms of the truce agreement. The move marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing peace efforts brokered by international mediators.
United States President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday, where he is scheduled to address the country’s parliament before proceeding to Egypt for a high-level summit on Gaza’s future. The summit, to be held in the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, will be co-chaired by Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Leaders from more than 20 countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are expected to participate.
Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis gathered on Saturday night at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv for a massive rally to honor captivity survivors and families of the hostages. Organisers estimated that about 500,000 people attended the emotional event.
During the rally, former hostages and family members took turns to speak, expressing mixed feelings of relief and lingering sorrow. Tal Shoham, who spent 505 days in captivity, described his ordeal and the bonds he formed with fellow captives. “When I hugged my loved ones, I was filled with joy but carried pain for those still left behind,” he said, pledging to continue the struggle until every hostage returns home.
Speakers also praised President Trump for his role in securing the deal. “Thank you for not giving up and for bringing our loved ones home,” said Yael Sabraigo, niece of one of the captives.
Ahead of the rally, Trump’s daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner met privately with families of the remaining hostages, alongside U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The families thanked them for what they described as an “instrumental role” in securing the planned release.
In Gaza, however, the humanitarian situation remains dire. The World Food Programme (WFP) said damaged roads and infrastructure are hampering the delivery of essential supplies. WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, Samer AbdelJaber, disclosed that the agency has over 54,000 tonnes of food ready for distribution and is scaling up the number of bakeries in operation from 10 to 30.
“The smell of bread gives people hope that things are going to get back to normal,” he said.
About 400 trucks carrying food, medicine, and fuel were seen moving toward the Rafah border crossing early Sunday, according to Egyptian state media. As part of the ceasefire deal, Israel has agreed to allow the entry of up to 600 aid trucks daily into Gaza.
Meanwhile, tragedy struck on Sunday in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, where three Qatari diplomats, including a member of the royal family, lost their lives in a car crash ahead of Monday’s summit. Two other diplomats sustained serious injuries and are being treated at Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital. Qatar, which played a key role in mediating the ceasefire and hostage deal, expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
Across the globe, solidarity protests continued, with tens of thousands rallying in major Australian cities on Sunday in support of Palestinians. The Palestine Action Group organized demonstrations in over 25 cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, calling for sanctions against Israel and accountability for alleged war crimes.
As both sides prepare for the crucial summit in Egypt, the world watches closely, hoping that this latest truce will lay the groundwork for a lasting peace in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
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