Gaza Ceasefire Plans Hostage Swap, Tensions Rise

Palestinian militant groups in Gaza have announced plans to release hostages Iair Horn, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Alexandre Sasha Troufanov as part of a fragile ceasefire agreement with Israel, which includes the release of 369 Palestinian prisoners. Despite this development, concerns about the ceasefire's stability persist, intensified by U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks suggesting the ceasefire should be scrapped unless all hostages are freed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to resume fighting if hostages are not released by a specific deadline, while Hamas has accused Israel of violating the terms of the deal. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in significant casualties, with over 48,000 reported deaths in Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023. Activists continue to push for the return of all hostages through initiatives aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing support. The situation remains volatile, with both sides expressing deep mistrust amid ongoing negotiations.