Tue Jan 21 18:17:28 UTC 2025: ## Fragile Ceasefire Holds in Israel-Hamas Conflict; Hostage Exchange Underway

**Jerusalem, January 22, 2025** – A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas entered its third day on Tuesday, following a three-phase agreement brokered by Qatar and the U.S. While the first phase saw the exchange of 33 hostages for approximately 1900 Palestinian prisoners, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed doubt about the truce’s longevity, stating, “That’s not our war; it’s their war. But I’m not confident.”

The initial prisoner exchange, completed Sunday, involved the release of three Israeli women hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners. While the Israeli families celebrated the return of their loved ones, concerns remain over the upcoming releases of additional hostages, with some expected to return injured or deceased. A senior Hamas official indicated the next exchange is scheduled for Saturday.

Humanitarian aid is beginning to flow into Gaza, a region described as “a massive demolition site” by President Trump. The UN reported that over 900 aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday, following 630 on Sunday. Qatar has pledged 12.5 million liters of fuel over the next 10 days.

The war, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a staggering death toll. Israel reports over 1210 deaths, while Gaza’s health ministry cites 46,913, a figure the UN considers reliable. The conflict has displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents, leaving them to navigate a devastated landscape to return to what remains of their homes.

Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas congratulated President Trump on his role in securing the ceasefire. Netanyahu expressed his desire to cooperate with Trump to secure the remaining hostages and cripple Hamas’s capabilities. However, sentiments among the people remain mixed; while some, like displaced Gazan Ghadeer Abdul Rabbo, express hope for lasting peace, others remain apprehensive about the future.

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