Among those released are four Israelis who have German citizenship: The German-Israeli twins Gali and Ziv Berman saw each other for the first time in two years. They were separated during their captivity. The previous hostages were taken to various hospitals after their release. According to a report in the Times of Israel newspaper, Trump also wanted to visit one of the hospitals after his speech in the Knesset. Because his program in Israel took considerably longer than planned, the other heads of state and government in Egypt had to wait for hours.
The USA brokered the agreement – supported in particular by Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. A ceasefire has been in effect in the largely destroyed coastal strip on the Mediterranean since Friday. The next few weeks and months will be about turning the first stage of the 20-point plan into real peace. After all the wars and conflicts in the Middle East, there is great skepticism as to whether this will succeed. Many questions remain unresolved.
Prime Minister Netanyahu promised in the Knesset that he would extend his hand to all those “who seek peace with us.” Israel will always be vigilant, but at the same time full of hope. “It is time to realize this hope and expand the circle of peace.” However, Hamas wrote in a statement: “The Palestinian people will not rest until the last prisoner is freed from the prisons of the new Nazis and the occupation is removed from our land and our holy places.”
The release of the hostages was followed by thousands of people on the “Square of the Hostages” in the center of the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv. There was great cheering there. In return, Israel has promised to release about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons – including about 250 who had been sentenced to life in prison. The prominent Palestinian politician Marwan Barghouti is expected to remain in custody.
