Ceasefire Tensions Amid Israeli and Hamas Hostage Exchange

Israeli hostages, captured by Hamas, are set to return following Egyptian and Qatari mediation. In exchange, 369 Palestinian prisoners will be freed. Tensions persist as Hamas accuses Israel of violating ceasefire terms, amid widespread devastation in Gaza and ongoing international negotiations.

Israeli hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Sasha Troufanov are expected to return from Gaza on Saturday. Their release comes with the help of Egyptian and Qatari mediators, avoiding a standoff threatening a fragile ceasefire.

In return, Palestinian militant group Hamas will receive 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, striving to prevent the agreement's collapse. All three hostages were captured in Kibbutz Nir Oz in October 2023 during an attack by Hamas militants.

The ceasefire survival remains questionable due to various geopolitical tensions and accusations from both sides of ceasefire violations. The Israeli military campaign has decimated Gaza, leaving it in ruins, while efforts to maintain peace continue.

(With inputs from agencies.)