Gaza Ceasefire: Transitioning After Hostages Released

Tue Oct 14 2025 23:47:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the Gaza ceasefire unfolds, international leaders commit to a peace plan while dealing with complex hostage exchanges.

The recent ceasefire in Gaza marks a critical juncture following the release of hostages by Hamas. Leaders from Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and the U.S. have signed to implement a peace agreement, while humanitarian aid begins to flow and Israeli troops adjust their positions. However, critical steps remain unresolved, including the return of deceased hostages and the complexities surrounding Hamas's future role in governance. The international community closely monitors these developments as negotiations continue.

What happens next in the Gaza ceasefire plan after hostage release?

3 hours ago

Armed Palestinian fighters ahead of handover of hostages in Gaza

The leaders of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar have joined U.S. President Donald Trump in committing to a plan aimed at ending the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

This commitment follows the transfer of 20 living hostages by Hamas, alongside the return of 24 bodies of deceased hostages. In exchange, Israel has released approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

While humanitarian aid has started flowing into Gaza and a ceasefire went into effect, several elements of the peace plan remain unfulfilled, including the reopening of the Rafah border crossing and resolving the status of deceased hostages.

Israeli officials emphasize the need for Hamas to comply with the ceasefire agreement, particularly concerning the return of the remaining bodies follow live updates here.

What happens now?

Two major aspects of Trump's plan require resolution: unhindered humanitarian aid entry and the return of all deceased hostages. The deadline for Hamas to hand over these remains has passed, raising tensions. Meanwhile, a potential international task force is proposed to assist in locating any remains that are still not returned.

Once these initial steps are completed, talks for the next phase of the peace plan can commence. The plan aims to demilitarize Gaza, preventing Hamas from having any governing role as it transitions to be overseen by the Palestinian Authority.

Key sticking points

Challenges in negotiations persist, particularly regarding Hamas’s disarmament and the extent of future Israeli troop withdrawal. Hamas’s insistence on a role in any future governance structure and Israel’s firm positioning on territorial control are contentious.

Who are the released hostages?

The hostage release consisted of 20 individuals who were taken during the conflict, while Israel also seeks to recover other remaining captives. The circumstances surrounding each hostage’s release have drawn significant media attention and ongoing public interest.

Who are the Palestinian prisoners and detainees released?

In exchange for hostages, Israel released numerous Palestinian prisoners, sparking celebrations in several communities. However, high-profile prisoners demanded by Hamas were not included in the release.