The remaining 20 living hostages have been returned by Hamas, to Israel. Israel, in return, will return 150 long-term jailed Palestinians, as well as, 1700 Gazans detained since two years ago.

Even as this is chirped, Israel is having a love in with Donald Trump. Regardless of all his flaws, he did help bring this to this stage. This whole thing is far from over, but it is a key step.

Gaza is in ruins. Hamas is a mere shadow of its former self. Over 65,000, in Gaza, have died. Countries, including Egypt are saying that US will need troops on the ground during the Gaza reconstruction process.

How will Hamas be remembered from all this? Their victory of October 7, opened a Pandora’s box of Israeli vengeance resulting in 65,000 of their own, dead. Hamas’ funder, Iran, has been weakened, since October 7.

Will this be a first step towards stability in the Middle East, as Trump is claiming? Or will this be a temporary lull? Is Israel safer now? Or will the death of 65,000 loved ones, including women and children, create more terrorists?

This all remains to be seen. But for today, it is a day of celebration.

That’s all I have for today.