**Israel and Hamas Agree on Ceasefire and Hostage Release**
On Saturday, three Israeli hostages held by Hamas were released in exchange for 183 Palestinians held by Israel. The release was part of a ceasefire agreement struck between Israel, Hamas, and Egypt.
**Hostages Released**
The three Israeli hostages – Yarden Bibas (34), Ofer Kalderon (54), and Keith Siegel (65) – were handed over to the Red Cross in accordance with the agreement. They were then transported to Gaza and the West Bank on buses.
**Complex Emotions**
The release was met with mixed emotions in Israel. The families of the hostages were relieved, but also concerned about the condition their loved ones were in when they were released. Keith Siegel’s niece, Tal Wax, said that her uncle had lost weight and was struggling to cope with his experience as a hostage.
**Palestinian Prisoners Released**
In Ramallah, large crowds greeted buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners. The prisoners had been held for various periods of time, including some who were serving lifetime sentences. One prisoner, Ali Al-Barghouti, said that he felt joy despite the pain and suffering he had endured.
**Ceasefire Agreement**
The ceasefire agreement between Israel, Hamas, and Egypt is a significant development in the conflict. The first stage of the agreement was implemented on January 19, with 33 hostages, 1,900 prisoners, and hundreds of lorries carrying aid into Gaza being released. The Rafah crossing has also been reopened between Gaza and Egypt.
**Return of Displaced Palestinians**
This week, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who were displaced from their homes in the northern Gaza Strip have been allowed to return. However, many are struggling to come to terms with the scale of destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes.