In a major development this weekend, Hamas and Israel carried out a tense but carefully planned exchange of hostages and prisoners, sticking to the terms of their cease-fire agreement. This latest swap comes after weeks of negotiations and a rocky start earlier in the week.

On Saturday, Hamas handed over three individuals who had been held captive for over 15 months. The group released Yarden Bibas and Ofer Calderon in a dramatic ceremony in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. Later, they freed Keith Siegel, a 65-year-old American Israeli, in a separate event in Gaza City. All three were escorted by Red Cross workers and reunited with their families in Israel.

Meanwhile, Israel kept its end of the deal by releasing 183 Palestinian prisoners. Buses carrying the freed individuals arrived in Ramallah, a city in the occupied West Bank, where they were welcomed by cheering crowds. Another group of released prisoners was taken to a hospital in Khan Younis, according to reports.

The ceremonies were broadcast live, with many Israelis tuning in from “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv to watch the emotional moments as the hostages were handed over. Families expressed relief and joy, though the joy was tinged with sadness over the long ordeal their loved ones endured.

“This moment came 484 days too late,” said Ifat Kalderon, Ofer Calderon’s cousin, in an interview with Israeli media. “But it has finally happened.”

The exchange marks a significant step in the fragile cease-fire, though tensions remain high as both sides navigate the delicate process. Hopefully, this move will pave the way for further progress in resolving the ongoing conflict.