Gaza Ceasefire Sees Its Smoothest Exchange Yet Of Israeli Hostages For Palestinian Prisoners

Palestinian militant group Hamas fighters escort American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel on a stage before handing him over to a Red Cross team in Gaza City on February 1, 2025, as part of the fourth hostage-prisoner exchange. (Photo by Saeed Jaras / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by SAEED JARAS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The ceasefire in Gaza has seen its smoothest exchange yet of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners along with the reopening of the crucial Rafah crossing. Saturday’s exchange occurred two days before discussions on the truce’s far more difficult second phase begin. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. That gives him a chance to showcase ties with Israel’s closest ally and press his case for what should come next after 15 months of war. The fighting could resume in early March if an agreement isn’t reached on extending the truce indefinitely.