Israel & Hamas Hostage exchange

By Bismah Arif, 2026

Published 2/27/2025

The Israel-Hamas hostage exchange deal unfolded with many complications that led to the uncertainty of all of the citizens' safety. During the first phase of the exchange, Hamas agreed to release 33 captives in stages, beginning with groups of 3 and culminating in a February 22 release of 6 prisoners - double the initially agreed number. In response, Israel withdrew from border areas and released some Palestinian prisoners, while families from both sides anxiously awaited news of their loved ones.

However, the negotiations were dramatically complicated by a controversial moment where one Israeli hostage was required to kiss a Hamas official on the head, which Netanyahu described as a "national humiliation." Many speculate that this moment triggered Israel to delay the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners that were initially promised last week.

Upon receiving this news, Palestinian families were devastated after enduring hours in the cold weather and rain, with one mother illustrating the decades-long struggle by revealing she had been waiting 16 years for her son's release. One Gaza resident, Bassam Al-Khatib, mournfully stated, "You have received your hostages, so why delay handing over our Palestinian prisoners? This is something that hurts the heart, this lack of commitment and disregard of international standards and laws and disregard for countries sponsoring this agreement." Furthermore, Hamas characterized Israel's actions as a "blatant breach" of the agreement, pointing to continued military operations and restricted aid delivery. Specifically, the ceasefire, which was introduced on January 19th, quickly revealed other deep-seated violations: Israeli forces killed at least 92 Palestinians and wounded over 800 during this supposedly peaceful period, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

In addition, the detention practices also have become a focal point of criticism, with over 3,000 Palestinians held in administrative detention - many without charges, trials, or clear legal justification. Before being released, numerous were being tortured, starved, confined in small quarters, and not clothed properly; several violations of Palestinian prisoner's rights, only further emphasizing their immediate lawful release.

The broader political landscape exposed even more troubling dynamics, with some Israeli officials openly discussing plans to displace Palestinians. Netanyahu's reported support for controversial proposals, including a suggestion by Donald Trump to effectively "buy" Gaza and expel its residents, raised serious concerns about ethnic cleansing and colonization. The administrative detention system, which holds prisoners based on secret information and without transparent legal processes, further underscores the systemic challenges. With 2.3 million Palestinians' futures hanging in the balance, the hostage exchange became more than a mere prisoner swap - it represents a critical moment of continued conflict in a deeply entrenched regional dispute.