Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

As ceasefire takes hold, Hamas returns 3 Israeli hostages and Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners

News

As ceasefire takes hold, Hamas returns 3 Israeli hostages and Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners
News

News

As ceasefire takes hold, Hamas returns 3 Israeli hostages and Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners

2025-01-20 18:21 Last Updated At:18:31

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — After 15 months of collective grief and anxiety, three Israeli hostages left Hamas captivity and returned to Israel, and dozens of Palestinian prisoners walked free from Israeli jail, leaving both Israelis and Palestinians torn between celebration and trepidation as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold Sunday.

The skies above Gaza and Israel were silent for the first time in over a year, and Palestinians began returning to what was left of the homes they fled across the war-ravaged enclave, started to check on relatives left behind and, in many cases, to bury their dead. After months of tight Israeli restrictions, more than 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid rolled into the devastated territory.

More Images
Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A drone photo shows Palestinians walking through the destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A drone photo shows Palestinians walking through the destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Palestinian female prisoners wave from inside a bus as they arrive in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinian female prisoners wave from inside a bus as they arrive in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted before she disembarks from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted before she disembarks from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A crowd gathers around a bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners as it arrives in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A crowd gathers around a bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners as it arrives in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner on a wheelchair is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner on a wheelchair is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian child holds a posters with the photo of late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian child holds a posters with the photo of late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A convoy of vans and military vehicles carrying the released hostages from Gaza, arrives at a military base in southern Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A convoy of vans and military vehicles carrying the released hostages from Gaza, arrives at a military base in southern Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Israelis celebrate the release of three hostages who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israelis celebrate the release of three hostages who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian shouts next to a Hezbollah flag as a crowd waits for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian shouts next to a Hezbollah flag as a crowd waits for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrives to the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrives to the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner, facing the camera, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner, facing the camera, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner on a wheelchair is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner on a wheelchair is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Female Palestinian prisoners disembark from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Female Palestinian prisoners disembark from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner, center left, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner, center left, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrives to the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrives to the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted as he disembarks from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted as he disembarks from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Red Cross convoy arrives to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

A Red Cross convoy arrives to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Israeli Emily Damari, who was kidnapped in Gaza by Hamas on Oct. 7, steps out of a van before boarding a helicopter after being released from Gaza, southern Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli Emily Damari, who was kidnapped in Gaza by Hamas on Oct. 7, steps out of a van before boarding a helicopter after being released from Gaza, southern Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Palestinians hold posters with the photo of late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians hold posters with the photo of late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy embrace near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy embrace near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy use a smart phone near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy use a smart phone near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Romi Gonen, right, and her mother Merav hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Romi was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Romi Gonen, right, and her mother Merav hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Romi was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Doron Steinbrecher, left, and her mother Simona hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after after Doron was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Doron Steinbrecher, left, and her mother Simona hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after after Doron was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy use a smart phone near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy use a smart phone near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Hamas fighters escort a Red Cross vehicle to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Hamas fighters escort a Red Cross vehicle to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

A drone photo shows humanitarian aid trucks enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A drone photo shows humanitarian aid trucks enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Palestinians celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk amongst the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk amongst the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Palestinians walk amongst the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk amongst the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Ambulances pass in front of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip , Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Ambulances pass in front of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip , Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Israeli soldiers stand outside Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Israeli soldiers stand outside Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

The house hostage Doron Steinbrecher, 30, kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 in seen in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

The house hostage Doron Steinbrecher, 30, kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 in seen in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians, some armed, return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians, some armed, return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians wave the Palestinian flag as they return to Rafah, while a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians wave the Palestinian flag as they return to Rafah, while a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Palestinians walk through the destruction by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk through the destruction by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

An Israeli army tank moves along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

An Israeli army tank moves along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

Israeli soldiers walk outside Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Israeli soldiers walk outside Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Members of the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, take part in a parade as they celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Members of the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, take part in a parade as they celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians walk through the destruction by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk through the destruction by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Majida Abu Jarad packs belongings as she prepares to go back to the family's home in the north, at a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Muwasi area, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Majida Abu Jarad packs belongings as she prepares to go back to the family's home in the north, at a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Muwasi area, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Majida Abu Jarad packs belongings as she prepares to go back to the family's home in the north, at a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Muwasi area, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Majida Abu Jarad packs belongings as she prepares to go back to the family's home in the north, at a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Muwasi area, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The Mawasi tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

The Mawasi tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A market is seen through a window in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A market is seen through a window in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk along a central street at dusk in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk along a central street at dusk in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Two women walk through an installation simulating a tunnel in Gaza in an act of solidarity with hostages believed to be held underground by Hamas before a weekly demonstration calling for their return, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Two women walk through an installation simulating a tunnel in Gaza in an act of solidarity with hostages believed to be held underground by Hamas before a weekly demonstration calling for their return, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A view of a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A view of a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Balloons are released to mark the second birthday of hostage Kfir Bibas as demonstrators hold portraits of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a protest calling for their immediate release in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Balloons are released to mark the second birthday of hostage Kfir Bibas as demonstrators hold portraits of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a protest calling for their immediate release in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Demonstrators hold torches as they gather during a protest calling for the release of all hostages held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Demonstrators hold torches as they gather during a protest calling for the release of all hostages held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, gather calling for their released in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, gather calling for their released in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Palestinians build a tent at the Mawasi camp in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians build a tent at the Mawasi camp in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk along a street market in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk along a street market in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Demonstrators hold portraits of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a protest calling for their immediate release in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Demonstrators hold portraits of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a protest calling for their immediate release in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

The ceasefire that went into effect Sunday morning stirred modest hopes for ending the Israel-Hamas war.

But in Israel, the joy of seeing freed hostages Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher reunited with their families was tempered by major questions over the fate of the nearly 100 others abducted in Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, still in captivity in Gaza.

Damari, Gonen and Steinbrecher were the first among 33 Israeli hostages who are meant to be released in the coming six weeks in a deal that includes a pause in fighting, the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and increased fuel and aid deliveries for Gaza.

What happens after the deal's first phase of 42 days is uncertain. The agreement's subsequent stages call for more releases of hostages and prisoners and a permanent end to the war.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was pressured by the outgoing Biden administration and incoming Trump administration to secure a deal before the president-elect's inauguration Monday in Washington, has said he received assurances from Trump that Israel could continue fighting Hamas if necessary.

On Sunday, many Israelis stayed glued to TV screens all afternoon to glimpse the women being released through the windows of the Red Cross ambulance. Footage showed them thronged by thousands of jostling Palestinians, including Hamas gunmen wearing green headbands, as militants handed them over to the Red Cross on a packed street in Gaza City.

“An entire nation embraces you,” Netanyahu said.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right lawmaker who resigned on Sunday from Netanyahu's governing coalition over the ceasefire, said the nation was “happy and excited” for their release.

In videos released by the Israeli government, the women were seen weeping and hugging their family members. Damari raised her bandaged hand in triumph.

The military said she lost two fingers in the Hamas-led militant attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of some 250 others.

Applause erupted among the thousands who gathered to watch the poignant scenes on large screens at Hostages Square, the Tel Aviv plaza where families and supporters of hostages have been protesting weekly to demand a ceasefire deal.

It took another seven hours for such scenes to unfold in the occupied West Bank, where the mood was initially subdued as the Israeli military warned that public celebrations for the released prisoners would be punished.

But scuffles with Israeli security forces and hours of waiting did little to deter the crowds that flooded the streets around 1 a.m., as large white buses carrying 90 Palestinian detainees — all women or teens — exited the gates of Ofer prison, near the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Drivers revved their engines in celebration. Fireworks erupted. Several men climbed on top of the bus and hoisted three Hamas flags. “God is greater!” the crowds shouted.

Many of those released expressed elation tinged with grief for the devastation wrought by the war in Gaza.

A “double feeling” is how the most prominent detainee freed, Khalida Jarrar, 62, described it. Jarrar is a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a secular leftist faction that was involved in attacks against Israel in the 1970s but later scaled back militant activities. Since her arrest in late 2023, she was held under indefinitely renewable administrative detention — a widely criticized practice that Israel uses against Palestinians.

“There’s this double feeling we’re living in, on the one hand, this feeling of freedom, that we thank everyone for, and on the other hand, this pain, of losing so many Palestinian martyrs,” she told The Associated Press.

All of those being released had been detained for what Israel called offenses related to its security, from throwing stones and promoting violence on social media to more serious accusations such as attempted murder.

The next release of hostages and prisoners is due Saturday. In just over two weeks, talks are to begin on the far more challenging second phase of the ceasefire agreement.

In Gaza, there was palpable relief at the prospect of six weeks without fighting and Israeli bombardment that so far has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which says women and children make up more than half the fatalities but does not distinguish between civilians and fighters.

The skies above the besieged territory were free of Israeli warplanes for the first day since a weeklong ceasefire in November 2023 that freed over 100 hostages, offering Palestinians a chance to take stock of the devastation.

“This ceasefire was a joy mixed with pain,” said Rami Nofal, a displaced man from Gaza City, explaining that his son was killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Triumphant Hamas militants appeared at some celebrations, as crowds chanted slogans in support of them. The Hamas-run police reemerged from months of hiding.

Some families set off for home on foot, their belongings loaded on donkey carts.

In the southern city of Rafah, residents returned to find massive destruction that they described as a dystopia. Some found human remains in the rubble.

“It’s like what you see in a Hollywood horror movie,” Mohamed Abu Taha said as he inspected the ruins of his family’s home.

In Israel, the scenes of Hamas gunmen celebrating openly in the streets of Gaza underscored divisions over the ceasefire deal.

Asher Pizem, 35, from the city of Sderot, said the deal had merely postponed Israel's next confrontation with Hamas. He also criticized Israel for allowing aid into Gaza, saying it would contribute to the militant group’s revival.

“They will take the time and attack again,” he said, looking out over Gaza’s smoldering ruins from a small hill in southern Israel with other Israelis gathered to watch as the agreement went into effect. Warplanes roared, helicopters thudded and drones buzzed in the final moments before the ceasefire.

The toll of the war has been staggering, and new details about its scale and impact will emerge.

Israeli forces were pulling back from some areas of Gaza, in line with the ceasefire agreement, residents of northern Gaza reported.

Some 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced. Rebuilding — if the ceasefire leads to the war's end — will take several years at least.

There should be a surge of humanitarian aid, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily, far more than Israel allowed before.

“This is a moment of tremendous hope,” U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said. “Fragile, yet vital.”

Magdy reported from Cairo, Shurafa from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Lidman from Narariya, Israel. Associated Press reporters Josef Federman in Jerusalem and Mohammad Jahjouh in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, contributed to this report.

Follow AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Khalida Jarrar, 62, a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A drone photo shows Palestinians walking through the destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A drone photo shows Palestinians walking through the destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Palestinian female prisoners wave from inside a bus as they arrive in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinian female prisoners wave from inside a bus as they arrive in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted before she disembarks from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted before she disembarks from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A crowd gathers around a bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners as it arrives in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A crowd gathers around a bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners as it arrives in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner on a wheelchair is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner on a wheelchair is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian child holds a posters with the photo of late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian child holds a posters with the photo of late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A convoy of vans and military vehicles carrying the released hostages from Gaza, arrives at a military base in southern Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

A convoy of vans and military vehicles carrying the released hostages from Gaza, arrives at a military base in southern Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Israelis celebrate the release of three hostages who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Israelis celebrate the release of three hostages who had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian shouts next to a Hezbollah flag as a crowd waits for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian shouts next to a Hezbollah flag as a crowd waits for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners in the West Bank city of Beitunia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrives to the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrives to the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner, facing the camera, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner, facing the camera, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner on a wheelchair is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner on a wheelchair is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Female Palestinian prisoners disembark from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Female Palestinian prisoners disembark from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner, center left, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A female Palestinian prisoner, center left, is greeted after disembarking from a bus following her release from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrives to the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A bus carrying released Palestinian prisoners arrives to the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted as he disembarks from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Palestinian prisoner is greeted as he disembarks from a bus after being released from an Israeli prison, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, early Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A Red Cross convoy arrives to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

A Red Cross convoy arrives to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Israeli Emily Damari, who was kidnapped in Gaza by Hamas on Oct. 7, steps out of a van before boarding a helicopter after being released from Gaza, southern Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Israeli Emily Damari, who was kidnapped in Gaza by Hamas on Oct. 7, steps out of a van before boarding a helicopter after being released from Gaza, southern Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Palestinians hold posters with the photo of late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians hold posters with the photo of late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians react as they wait for the arrival of the released Palestinian prisoners, in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy embrace near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy embrace near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy use a smart phone near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy use a smart phone near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Romi Gonen, right, and her mother Merav hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Romi was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Romi Gonen, right, and her mother Merav hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Romi was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Doron Steinbrecher, left, and her mother Simona hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after after Doron was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Doron Steinbrecher, left, and her mother Simona hold each other near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after after Doron was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy use a smart phone near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

In this photo released by the Israeli Army, Emily Damari, right, and her mother Mandy use a smart phone near kibbutz Reim, southern Israel after Emily was released from captivity by Hamas militants in Gaza, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Israeli Army via AP)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Hamas fighters escort a Red Cross vehicle to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Hamas fighters escort a Red Cross vehicle to collect Israeli hostages released after a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect, in Gaza City Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

A drone photo shows humanitarian aid trucks enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A drone photo shows humanitarian aid trucks enter through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt into the Gaza Strip, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Jabaliya, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abed Hajjar)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Palestinians celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the West Bank city of Beitunia, on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk through the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk amongst the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk amongst the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Palestinians walk amongst the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians walk amongst the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Palestinians inspect the destruction caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hajjar)

Ambulances pass in front of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip , Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Ambulances pass in front of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip , Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the news of the hostages' release, as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react as they gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Israeli soldiers stand outside Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Israeli soldiers stand outside Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, gather in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

The house hostage Doron Steinbrecher, 30, kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 in seen in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

The house hostage Doron Steinbrecher, 30, kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 in seen in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Israel, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians, some armed, return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians, some armed, return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians wave the Palestinian flag as they return to Rafah, while a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Displaced Palestinians wave the Palestinian flag as they return to Rafah, while a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect, in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mariam Dagga)

Palestinians walk through the destruction by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk through the destruction by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

An Israeli army tank moves along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

An Israeli army tank moves along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

Israeli soldiers walk outside Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Israeli soldiers walk outside Ofer military prison near Jerusalem on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)

Members of the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, take part in a parade as they celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Members of the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas, take part in a parade as they celebrate a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinians walk through the destruction by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk through the destruction by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah, as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinians leave parts of Khan Younis as they go back to their homes in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Majida Abu Jarad packs belongings as she prepares to go back to the family's home in the north, at a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Muwasi area, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Majida Abu Jarad packs belongings as she prepares to go back to the family's home in the north, at a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Muwasi area, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Majida Abu Jarad packs belongings as she prepares to go back to the family's home in the north, at a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Muwasi area, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Majida Abu Jarad packs belongings as she prepares to go back to the family's home in the north, at a camp for displaced Palestinians in the Muwasi area, southern Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The Mawasi tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

The Mawasi tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A market is seen through a window in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A market is seen through a window in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk along a central street at dusk in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk along a central street at dusk in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Two women walk through an installation simulating a tunnel in Gaza in an act of solidarity with hostages believed to be held underground by Hamas before a weekly demonstration calling for their return, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Two women walk through an installation simulating a tunnel in Gaza in an act of solidarity with hostages believed to be held underground by Hamas before a weekly demonstration calling for their return, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A view of a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

A view of a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Balloons are released to mark the second birthday of hostage Kfir Bibas as demonstrators hold portraits of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a protest calling for their immediate release in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Balloons are released to mark the second birthday of hostage Kfir Bibas as demonstrators hold portraits of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a protest calling for their immediate release in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Demonstrators hold torches as they gather during a protest calling for the release of all hostages held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Demonstrators hold torches as they gather during a protest calling for the release of all hostages held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, gather calling for their released in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, gather calling for their released in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Palestinians build a tent at the Mawasi camp in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians build a tent at the Mawasi camp in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk along a street market in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians walk along a street market in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025.(AP Photo/(AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Demonstrators hold portraits of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a protest calling for their immediate release in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

Demonstrators hold portraits of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip during a protest calling for their immediate release in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to push out federal employees by offering them financial incentives.

The ruling came hours before the midnight deadline for workers to apply for the deferred resignation program, which has been commonly described as a buyout.

Here's the latest:

White House press secretary Karoline Levitt says 40,000-plus federal workers have agreed to resign in exchange for continuing to be paid through Sept. 30.

Her comments came moments after a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration plan offering incentives for federal workers to resign. That decision moved a deadline for federal employees to take the offer from Thursday back until at least Monday.

“We expect that number to increase,” Leavitt said. “We encourage federal workers in this city to accept the very generous offer.”

The Trump administration’s abrupt closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development is removing a key way of showing American goodwill around the world — with millions of lives at stake.

The stop-work order has closed clinics in more than 25 countries where two-thirds of all child deaths occur globally, said Janeen Madan Keller, deputy director of global health policy at the Center for Global Development.

HIV patients in Africa found locked doors at clinics funded through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which is credited with saving more than 25 million lives. In Congo’s conflict zone, American money no longer supports food, water, electricity and basic health care for 4.6 million people. Doctors of the World-Turkey relied on USAID for 60% of its funding in Syria, where it had to shutter 12 field hospitals providing life-saving services.

▶ Read more about the impact on USAID’s global health programs

A federal judge on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to push out federal employees by offering them financial incentives.

The ruling came hours before the midnight deadline for workers to apply for the deferred resignation program, which has been commonly described as a buyout.

U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. in Boston did not express an opinion on the legality of the program. He scheduled a hearing for Monday at 2 p.m. EST.

He also directed administration officials to extend the deadline to apply for the program until after the hearing.

Several labor unions have sued over Trump’s plans, which were orchestrated by Elon Musk, a top adviser. The Republican president is trying to downsize and reshape the federal workforce.

Jamieson Greer, President Donald Trump’s choice to be the top U.S. trade negotiator, promised to pursue the president’s hardline trade policies in testimony Wednesday before the Senate Finance Committee. But he faced pushback from senators unsettled by Trump’s unpredictable actions on trade.

Trump’s protectionist approach — involving the heavy use of taxes on foreign goods — will give Americans “the opportunity to work in good-paying jobs producing goods and services they can sell in this market and abroad to earn an honest living,’′ Greer said in remarks prepared ahead of his confirmation hearing Thursday before the Senate Finance Committee.

As U.S. trade representative, Greer would have responsibility — along with Commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick — for one of Trump’s top policy priorities: waging or at least threatening trade war with countries around the world, America’s friends and foes alike.

▶ Read more about Trump’s pick for U.S. trade negotiator

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared for a photo-op with U.S. senators at the Capitol when a reporter asked the question.

“Mr. Netanyahu, do you think U.S. troops are needed in Gaza to make President Trump’s plan peaceful?”

“No,” he replied, and then press aides shooed journalists from the room.

Trump officials have organized question-and-answer sessions as federal workers decide whether to quit in exchange for several months of pay.

“I know there’s been a lot of questions out there about whether it’s real and whether it’s a trick,” Rachel Oglesby, now chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Education, told employees, according to a recording obtained by The Associated Press.

“And it’s exactly what it looks like. It’s one of the many tools that he’s using to try to achieve the campaign promise to bring reform to the civil service and changes to D.C,” she said.

A similar discussion was recorded at the Department of Agriculture.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have all the answers,” said human resources official Marlon Taubenheim. “These are very trying times.”

▶ Read more about Trump’s effort to reduce the federal workforce

President Donald Trump’s nominee for education secretary will face her first confirmation test next week.

Linda McMahon is scheduled to go before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Feb. 13. If confirmed, Trump said her top priority will be dismantling the agency, saying he wants McMahon “to put herself out of a job.”

McMahon, 76, is a longtime Trump ally and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. She led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term.

President Donald Trump on Thursday blamed last week’s deadly collision of a passenger jet and Army helicopter on what he called an “obsolete” computer system used by U.S. air traffic controllers, and he vowed to replace it.

Trump said during an event that “a lot of mistakes happened” on Jan. 29 when an American Airlines flight out of Wichita, Kansas, collided with an Army helicopter as the plane was about to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, killing all 67 people on board the two aircraft.

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Trump blamed diversity hiring programs for the crash. But on Thursday, he blamed the computer system used by the country’s air traffic controllers.

“It’s amazing that it happened,” Trump said during a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast at the U.S. Capitol. “And I think that’s going to be used for good. I think what is going to happen is we’re all going to sit down and do a great computerized system for our control towers. Brand new — not pieced together, obsolete.”

▶ Read more about Trump’s response to the crash

Trump is tapping Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead an effort to root out “anti-Christian bias” nationwide.

The president said during the National Prayer Breakfast that the task force would be directed to “immediately halt all forms of anti-Christian targeting and discrimination.”

It’s envisioned as an office within the White House that Trump said would place a special emphasis on bias within the federal government, “at the DOJ, which was absolutely terrible, the IRS, the FBI — terrible — and other agencies.”

The emergence of X owner Elon Musk as the most influential figure around President Donald Trump has created an extraordinary dynamic — a White House adviser using one of the world’s most powerful information platforms to sell the government’s talking points while intimidating its detractors.

The world’s richest man is using the social media platform as a cudgel and a megaphone for the Republican administration at a time when his power to shape the electorate’s perspective is only growing, with more Americans getting their news from ‘influencers’ online. Musk alone has 215 million followers.

Requests for comment from Musk’s special commission, the Department of Government Efficiency, and X were not returned.

Steven Levitsky, a political scientist at Harvard University and the author of “How Democracies Die,” said “This is a combination of economic, media and political power that I believe has never been seen before in any democracy on Earth.”

▶ Read more about how Musk is wielding his power

IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season will not be allowed to accept the Trump administration’s offer to be paid to quit until after the taxpayer filing deadline.

A letter to IRS employees Wednesday says such workers are exempt until May 15.

Union leaders and worker advocates have criticized the proposal and question whether the Trump administration will honor its terms.

“This country needs skilled, experienced federal employees,” said Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union. “We are urging people not to take this deal because it will damage the services to the American people and it will harm the federal employees who have dedicated themselves and their career to serving.”

▶ Read more about how Trump’s push to get federal workers to quit affects the IRS

The Trump administration’s decision to close the U.S. Agency for International Development has drawn widespread criticism from congressional Democrats and raised questions and concern about the influence billionaire ally Elon Musk wields over the federal government.

The United States is by far the world’s largest source of foreign assistance, although several European countries allocate a much bigger share of their budgets to aid. USAID funds projects in some 120 countries aimed at fighting epidemics, educating children, providing clean water and supporting other areas of development.

▶ Read more about the global impact of closing USAID

A federal judge is considering next steps in a slow-moving court case over whether to release documents that could spell legal trouble for Prince Harry.

The influential Heritage Foundation sued the Department of Homeland Security during the Biden administration, seeking to reveal if he lied on his immigration paperwork about past drug use or received special treatment when he and his wife Meghan Markle moved to Southern California.

“People are routinely deported for lying on immigration forms,” Heritage’s attorney Samuel Dewey told reporters after a Wednesday hearing.

▶ Read more about the case involving Prince Harry

Democratic senators are still at it, having talked through the night to protest Trump’s pick of Russ Vought as budget director.

Seizing the Senate floor is one of the remaining tools the minority party has to stonewall a confirmation. Democrats unanimously oppose Vought, a Project 2025 author who is influential in Musk’s DOGE efforts to gut government.

Sen. John Hickenlooper, D. Colo., said his office was flooded with complaints over Trump’s temporary freeze of federal funds, which has since been rescinded and blocked by a court. He said Congress has appropriated this money and the White House cannot unilaterally cut it.

Republicans have the votes to easily confirm Vought once the 30 hours of debate expires Thursday.

Two Elon Musk allies have “read only” access to Treasury Department payment systems, but no one else will get access for now, including Musk himself, under a court order signed Thursday.

It comes in a lawsuit filed by federal workers unions trying to stop the billionaire’s Department of Government Efficiency from following through on what they call a massive privacy invasion.

Two Musk allies, Marko Elez and Tom Krause, have been made “special government employees” and already have access to the system, government attorneys have said.

The temporary order blocks further access by DOGE as U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly considers the case.

Related to Rubio’s first stop on his trip, the U.S. State Department said late Wednesday on X that the Panamanians had agreed to allow U.S. warships to transit the Panama Canal without charge.

But Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino later denied that, saying Thursday he had told U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a day earlier that he could neither set the fees to transit the canal nor exempt anyone from them, so he was surprised by the statement suggesting otherwise.

The State Department had no immediate comment Thursday.

The fees had been one focus of President Donald Trump’s complaints about the canal, which he has threatened to retake from Panama unless Panama severely limits Chinese influence in the area.

The Trump administration plans to seize a jet that belongs to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro 's government.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will announce the seizure on Thursday in the Dominican Republic, the last stop of his Latin American tour, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter and a State Department document obtained by The Associated Press. Publicly, the State Department calls it a “law enforcement engagement.”

Carrying out the seizure required Rubio to get Justice Department approval and to free up more than $230,000 in frozen foreign aid to cover storage and maintenance fees.

The U.S. seized another of Maduro’s planes from the Dominican Republic in September 2024.

The State Department document says this plane is a Dassault Falcon 200 that Maduro and top aides used to travel the world in violation of U.S. sanctions.

▶ Read more about Rubio and the Venezuelan jet

Candidate Donald Trump promised voters an administration that wouldn’t waste precious American lives and taxpayer treasure on far-off wars and nation-building.

But just weeks into his second term, President Trump is proposing to use American power to “take over” and reconstruct Gaza, to reclaim U.S. control of the Panama Canal and to buy Greenland from Denmark.

The rhetorical shift from America First to America Everywhere is flummoxing some of his allies.

“The pursuit for peace should be that of the Israelis and the Palestinians,” Sen. Rand Paul, the Kentucky Republican, posted on social media. “I thought we voted for America First. We have no business contemplating yet another occupation to doom our treasure and spill our soldiers’ blood.”

▶ Read more on how people are trying to understand Trump’s imperialistic comments

Democrats said workers shouldn’t accept the deferred resignation program because it wasn’t authorized by Congress, raising the risk they won’t get paid. Unions have sued to stop Trump’s plans, and a judge will consider whether to block the offer at a hearing Thursday afternoon in Boston.

“It’s a scam and not a buyout,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees. “If it was me, I wouldn’t do it.”

An employee at the Department of Education who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation said the administration appears desperate to get people to sign, but there are too many red flags, such as a clause waiving the right to sue if the government fails to honor its side of the deal.

By Chris Megerian, Collin Binkley and Byron Tau.

▶ Read more on the Trump administration effort to persuade federal workers to resign

When the Rev. Mariann Budde called for Trump to show mercy to Americans scared about his second term in office, the president retorted online that she was “not very good at her job” and owed the public an apology. Catholic Vice President JD Vance has jabbed at top US leaders of his own church over immigration issues.

Many clergy across the country are worried about the removal of churches from the sensitive-areas list. And religious refugee resettlement groups are among those that were left scrambling after federal aid was cut off.

▶ Read more about Trump and religion

During the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump said his relationship with religion had “changed” after a pair of failed assassination attempts last year, as he advocated for Americans to “bring God back into our lives.”

“I really believe you can’t be happy without religion, without that belief,” Trump said. “Let’s bring religion back. Let’s bring God back into our lives.”

Trump reflected on having a bullet coming within a hair’s breadth of killing him at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year, telling lawmakers and attendees, “It changed something in me, I feel.”

“I feel even stronger,” he continued. “I believed in God, but I feel, I feel much more strongly about it. Something happened.”

The president, who’s a nondenominational Christian, called religious liberty “part of the bedrock of American life” and called for protecting it with “absolute devotion.”

▶ Read more about Trump and religion

Trump said Palestinians would be “resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region.”

He added that the U.S. would work “with great development teams from all over the World,” and “slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth.”

Trump reasserted his commitment to his Gaza plan the day after his top diplomat and his chief spokesperson walked back that the president is advocating for the permanent relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, after American allies and even Republican lawmakers rejected the U.S. taking “ownership” of the territory.

President Donald Trump says “no soldiers by the U.S. would be needed” to carry out his proposal for the United States to take over the Gaza Strip and redevelop the war-torn territory.

The comments come two days after Trump, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his side, suggested relocating Gaza residents and redeveloping the land for people from around the world.

“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting,” Trump said in a posting on his Truth Social platform.

The Republican-led Senate is expected to confirm a chief architect of Project 2025 as director of the Office of Management and Budget on Thursday.

Senate Democrats vowed to give around-the-clock speeches to protest Trump’s nomination of Russ Vought to the influential position, and all 47 said they would vote against him. But as the minority party in the Senate, that’s not enough to stop his confirmation.

Vought also is influential in the effort to broadly dismantle the federal government, led by Elon Musk’s DOGE team.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first president to attend the prayer breakfast, in February 1953, and every president since has spoken at the gathering.

Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Republican Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas are the honorary co-chairs of this year’s event.

In 2023, the National Prayer Breakfast split into two dueling events, the one on Capitol Hill largely attended by lawmakers and government officials and a larger private event for thousands at a hotel ballroom. The split occurred when lawmakers sought to distance themselves from the private religious group that for decades had overseen the bigger event, due to questions about its organization and how it was funded.

In 2023 and 2024, President Joe Biden, a Democrat, spoke at the Capitol Hill event, and his remarks were livestreamed to the other gathering.

Trump attended the official prayer breakfast and will also speak at a separate prayer breakfast at a Washington hotel sponsored by a private group.

President Donald Trump says “no soldiers by the U.S. would be needed” to carry out his proposal for the United States to take over the Gaza Strip and redevelop the war-torn territory.

The comments come two days after Trump, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his side, laid out his vision for relocating Gaza residents and redeveloping the land for people from around the world.

“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting,” Trump said in a posting on his Truth Social platform. He added that Palestinians would be “resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region.”

He added that the U.S. would work “with great development teams from all over the World,” and “slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth.”

Trump reasserted his commitment to his Gaza plan the day after his top diplomat and his chief spokesperson walked back that the president is advocating for the permanent relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, after American allies and even Republican lawmakers rejected the U.S. taking “ownership” of the territory.

The Republican-led Senate is expected to confirm a chief architect of Project 2025 as director of the Office of Management and Budget on Thursday.

Senate Democrats vowed to give around-the-clock speeches to protest Trump’s nomination of Russ Vought to the influential position, and all 47 of them said they would vote against him. But as the minority party in the Senate, that’s not enough to stop his confirmation.

Vought also is influential in the effort to broadly dismantle the federal government, led by Elon Musk's DOGE team.

President Donald Trump speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Recommended Articles