The release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners marks a new chapter after the peace agreement in Gaza.
Pope Leo XIV celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza and highlighted that it offers “glimmers of hope for the Holy Land”. In his message, the pontiff urged the parties involved in the peace process to “bravely follow the path you have set” and maintained that the agreement represents a spark of hope for the region.
The pontiff assured that “I encourage the parties involved to continue courageously on the path towards a just and lasting peace that respects the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian people”. The remarks came as world leaders, including Donald Trump and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, prepare to a summit in Sharm el Sheikh that will seek to consolidate the end of the conflict.
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Leo XIV remembered the two years of war, which began with the attack of Hamas on October 7, 2023which led to an Israeli offensive with more than 67,000 Palestinians dead. “Two years of conflict have left death and destruction everywhere, especially in the hearts of those who have brutally lost their children, their parents, their friends, everything”expressed the pontiff, adding that we must rediscover that “the other is not an enemy, but a brother to look at, forgive and offer the hope of reconciliation.”
Countdown to the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel
After approval of the Israel’s historic peace agreement in the Gaza Stripthe countdown to freedom began. It is expected that the last Israeli hostages held in Gaza be released this Monday morning, a few hours before the deadline expires 72 hours set by the ceasefire agreement. However, sources linked to the delivery assured that The 20 living people kidnapped are already in the hands of Hamas and their release could be brought forward at the hands of the Red Cross.
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Courtesy Channel 26
Of those captured on October 7, 2023, 20 are presumed alive and 25 dead, and The whereabouts of two others are unknown. There is one additional hostage whose body has been held in Gaza since before the October 7 attacks. He is an Israel Defense Forces soldier who died in 2014.
On the other side, Israel to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detaineesin what represents the largest exchange since the 2011 agreements. According to official sources, the majority of those released will be women and young people who do not face sentences for serious crimes.
Source: Ambito
