Smotrich said he has received assurances that Israel will resume the war after the first phase, during which 33 hostages held in Gaza are to return home and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are to be freed. The second phase, which must still be negotiated, is to work out an end to the war and return of all remaining hostages.

Israel’s longest war has so far failed to destroy its main enemy, Hamas, which, despite suffering devastating losses, is framing the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a victory for itself – and a failure for Israel.

Videos released by the Israeli military showed freed hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher being reunited with their mothers at an army center after they were released by Hamas. They were transferred to Sheba Hospital in Israel where they were listed in stable condition.

Palestinian prisoners released as part of the exchange expressed mixed emotions, celebrating freedom while mourning the ongoing devastation in Gaza.