Despite optimism in some quarters, some analysts have expressed concern over the ceasefire, which still has second and third phases to be negotiated. Wang Mengjie has more details.
As the first step in a long process aimed at ending Israel's 15-month war on the Gaza Strip, Israel has released 90 Palestinian detainees while Hamas released three hostages as part of the exchange.
ELIAS KAMAL Husband of released detainee "This is a glorious deal that respects every dignified Palestinian. I extend greetings to our people in Gaza. They have given everything to complete this personnel exchange agreement."
"Today we share this joy with the families of the prisoners. We have waited a long time to see the prisoners. It's good that the war in Gaza has ended after 470 days of suffering."
"An indescribable feeling. I'm happy because I'll get to see my sister, and we miss her. We hope all the prisoners will be released soon."
But concerns remain about the durability of the agreement, and the prospects for real peace.
SULEIMAN BISHARAT Director, Yabous Center for Consultation and Strategic Studies "The first phase of the agreement is still in a fragile stage unless there's any substantial progress, unless there's any political pressure to stabilize the agreement, make it permanent, and move on to the next phase."
Meanwhile, Palestinian officials say the Israeli military is strengthening control over the West Bank despite the Gaza ceasefire.
HELMI AL-ARAJ Member, Political Bureau of Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine "These measures are a threat to the West Bank of the Jordan River. They just find excuses to carry out massacres, blockades, assassinations, and military invasions."
Israel claims the West Bank poses a major security threat, but the Palestinian side accuses Israel of tightening its grip on the territory, making an already volatile situation even more dangerous.
Wang Mengjie, CGTN.