Israel-Hamas Prisoner Exchanges Continue Despite World Concern Over U.S.-Imposed Sanctions

What Happened?

The Palestinian militant group Hamas prepares for the next steps in the ceasefire process after hostages were freed in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Three males, Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34, were reportedly released.

So far, eighteen hostages have been freed since the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel began on Jan. 19, according to BBC News.

Israel has reportedly released 383 prisoners in return with another 183 freed Saturday in return for the three men.

The moves come after President Donald Trump doubled down on plans the U.S. would 'take over' and rebuild Gaza.

President Trump said on Truth Social that the Gaza Strip would be turned over to the U.S. by Israel once the fighting has concluded.

No U.S. soldiers would be needed in this effort as Israel's army was reportedly ordered to prepare for large relocation plans.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed Trump’s proposal and insisted the plan was a 'remarkable idea' despite pushback from Arab leaders and some Republican members.

Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) over its investigations of U.S. ally Israel.

The president has accused the ICC's actions as 'illegitimate and baseless' after an arrest warrant was issued for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes relating to Gaza.

As many as 79 countries have reportedly joined to support the ICC after it called on its 125 state parties to stand up against the sanctions.

In a joint statement, the countries warned these imposed sanctions would 'increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law.'

Why it Matters

Trump's proposal of relocating nearly two million Palestinians to create the 'Riviera of the Middle East' has raised serious concerns about the future state of the truce agreement.

U.S. foreign policy has long emphasized a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

But Trump told reporters that 'Gaza is a guarantee that they’re going to end up dying.'

Israeli airstrikes have reportedly destroyed or damaged nearly 60% of buildings and around 92% of homes, according to U.N. data.

But Arab and Palestinian leaders, including the militant group Hamas, have all reportedly rejected the idea of relocation.

Egypt, which borders Gaza, initiated a diplomatic blitz behind the scenes, according to the Associated Press.

How it Affects You

The temporary truce agreement aims to end the war on the 16th day of implementation.

But Israel's crackdown operation in the West Bank of Jenin makes the path to permanently ending the nearly 16-month conflict flimsy.

Trump's latest foreign aid moves, orders to end U.S. engagement with the U.N. Human Rights Council, and recent sanctions add more fuel to the fire.

World leaders remain on high alert as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to evolve day by day.