The ceasefire in Gaza continues into its second day, with further exchanges of hostages planned and essential supplies being distributed

On Saturday, the second day of a ceasefire, Hamas was poised to continue exchanging hostages for prisoners held by Israel. This truce has not only enabled the crucial delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza but also provided civilians a much-needed reprieve after seven weeks of intense conflict.

The ceasefire’s first day saw significant developments: Hamas released 24 of the approximately 240 hostages taken during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which ignited the war. In return, Israel released 39 Palestinian prisoners. Among those freed from Gaza were 13 Israelis, 10 Thai nationals, and a citizen of the Philippines.

According to the terms of the agreement, for every three prisoners released, Hamas will free one Israeli hostage. The Israel Prison Service’s preparations to release 42 prisoners indicate that Hamas may release 14 Israeli hostages, though official numbers for Saturday’s release have not been confirmed. The specific details of non-Israeli captives’ release remain uncertain.

Over the four-day truce, Hamas is committed to releasing at least 50 Israeli hostages, while Israel will free 150 Palestinian prisoners, all women and minors. Israel has stated that the truce could be extended by a day for every additional 10 hostages released, a prospect that U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed hope for.

Friday, the truce’s commencement, marked the first respite for Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians, who have suffered under relentless Israeli bombardment resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. Rocket fire from Gaza militants into Israel also ceased.

For Gaza resident Emad Abu Hajer, the ceasefire allowed him to search the ruins of his home, destroyed in an Israeli attack, where he discovered the bodies of his cousin and nephew, increasing the attack’s death toll to 19. He continued searching for his sister and two other missing relatives.

The United Nations capitalized on the ceasefire to enhance the delivery of food, water, and medicine, reaching its highest volume since Oct. 21. Additionally, it managed to provide 129,000 liters of fuel and cooking gas, marking a significant achievement since the war began.

In Khan Younis, a southern city in Gaza, residents lined up for newly delivered fuel. Hossam Fayad expressed his wish for the truce to extend beyond four days to improve people’s conditions.

The ceasefire also facilitated aid delivery to northern Gaza, heavily impacted by Israel’s ground offensive. The U.N. and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society evacuated patients from a Gaza City hospital to one in Khan Younis.

However, the ceasefire’s brevity tempers its relief for both Israelis and Palestinians. The short duration leaves Gaza in a humanitarian crisis and under the threat of renewed fighting.

In Beitunia, in the West Bank, the release of 24 Palestinian women and 15 teenage boys, previously held for minor offenses like stone-throwing, sparked celebrations.

With over 7,200 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, including around 2,000 arrested since the war’s start, the prisoner exchange holds deep significance for Palestinian society.

The conflict, which began with Hamas militants entering southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, and taking numerous hostages, has led to extensive casualties and displacement. Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, playing mediator roles, hope the ceasefire will lead to lasting peace. However, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned troops of a short respite and a potential continuation of the war.

The Israeli offensive has resulted in over 13,300 Palestinian deaths, including a significant proportion of women and minors. The Health Ministry in Gaza, run by Hamas, reports around 6,000 missing people, feared trapped under debris. Israel claims to have eliminated thousands of Hamas fighters, though it has not provided evidence to support this claim.