Trump Set for Historic Second Non-Consecutive Term as Gaza Ceasefire Holds, Hostages Freed

Global attention is fixed today on two significant developments: the impending inauguration of Donald J Trump as the 47th President of the United States and the fragile progress of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that has facilitated a critical exchange of captives.

Trump’s Return to the Presidency

In a rare historical moment, Donald J Trump is poised to become the second president in US history to serve non-consecutive terms, a feat last accomplished by Grover Cleveland in 1893. The formal inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place inside the Capitol Rotunda, a departure from the traditional outdoor setting, marking the first time it has been held indoors since 1985. This change was necessitated by prevailing cold weather conditions.

Approximately 700 people are anticipated to attend the scaled-down ceremony. The guest list is reported to include prominent figures from the technology and business sectors, such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, and Sundar Pichai, highlighting the diverse attendance expected at the event. Meanwhile, Former President Joe Biden departed Washington, D.C., having concluded his term and reportedly granted a series of pardons before his departure.

Progress in Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Overseas, hopes remain cautiously optimistic as the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas appears to be holding. A key development occurred on Sunday with the return of three Israeli women hostages. These women had been held captive for 471 days, since their abduction on October 7, 2023.

The return process involved Hamas handing over the hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza. They were subsequently transferred by the Red Cross to the Israeli military and immediately transported to a hospital upon reaching Israeli territory for medical evaluation and care. In exchange for the release of these three Israeli women, Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners. The released prisoners were all women and children, with the youngest reported to be just 15 years old.

Terms of the Complex Agreement

This exchange is part of a more extensive and complex three-phase deal aimed at de-escalating the conflict and facilitating further releases. Under the terms agreed upon by both sides, Hamas is expected to release an additional 30 Israeli captives in the coming weeks. Correspondingly, Israel has committed to releasing a total of 1,890 Palestinians. The phased implementation of these releases is projected to unfold over the next six weeks, according to details of the agreement.

Humanitarian Situation in Gaza

Amidst the ceasefire and captive exchanges, thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza have begun attempting to return home. This movement follows the recent end of the 15-month bombing campaign that devastated vast areas of the enclave. However, the reality on the ground for many is grim.

Individuals like Amal Abu Eita, upon attempting to return to locations such as the Jabaliya refugee camp, are reportedly finding only rubble where their homes and communities once stood, underscoring the immense scale of destruction and the significant challenges facing the civilian population seeking to rebuild their lives.