Israeli and Palestinian Captives Exchanged After 2 Years of Brutal War
After two years of war, Israelis and Palestinians are freed in a major exchange. Explore what this means for peace and the region.
Note: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
After two years of brutal war, 20 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners were swapped as the American-led ceasefire in Gaza held. It was a day of hope and relief for many, tinged with apprehension of what lies ahead. President Trump received a hero's welcome in Israel and later led a peace conference in Egypt. Special correspondent Leila Molana-Allen reports.
View the transcript of the story.
Discussion Questions
- Who received a "hero's welcome" in Israel over the weekend?
- Where did Israelis gather to await news of freed hostages?
- How many Israeli hostages were freed as part of the deal? How many captive Palestinians were freed?
- What did Palestinian captives say about their time in detention in Israel?
- Why did things not all go to plan, according to correspondent Leila Molana-Allen?
Focus Questions
- In this segment, Leila Molana-Allen says, "After the hostage release, what comes next is far more complicated." What do you think she means? What complications do you think will be most difficult to resolve to maintain peace in Gaza?
- Do you think this deal represents potential for greater changes across the Middle East? Why or why not?
- Media literacy: Who do you think should have been interviewed for this segment that wasn't? What do you want to learn to better understand the future of the deal between Israel and Hamas?
Extension Activity
Students can read about the 20 Israeli hostages who were released here: "These are the living hostages released by Hamas under ceasefire deal"
And learn more about the deal and prisoner exchange here: "What to know as Israel and Hamas exchange hostages and prisoners and Trump visits the Middle East"
After reading both articles, discuss — what surprises you most about the captive exchange and the proposed future deal?
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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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