After days of intense negotiations mediated by Egyptian officials, Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and a prisoner swap deal. The agreement comes after a week of escalating tensions and cross-border hostilities between the two sides.
As per the terms of the deal, Israel will release 50 Palestinian prisoners, including several high-profile figures, in exchange for the return of two Israeli civilians and the remains of two soldiers held by Hamas in Gaza. The ceasefire, which took effect at midnight local time, has brought an end to the recent flare-up of violence that left dozens injured on both sides. While both parties have expressed cautious optimism about the deal, longstanding grievances and mistrust between Israel and Hamas suggest that lasting peace remains elusive.
