With Hamas releasing all the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages, the first part of the peace accord has successfully concluded. What stands out is that despite the unimaginable suffering in Gaza—where people have died from bombings, hunger and disease—the hostages were reportedly and manifestly treated with a measure of care during their two years of captivity.

That fact alone is a faint reminder that even amid conflict, a spark of humanity can survive. The accord itself has been hailed as a triumph of diplomacy. US President Donald Trump, its chief architect, has proclaimed that the Israel–Hamas war is over. The question, however, is what comes next.

The world watches with cautious hope,........

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