“This extraordinary cooperation shows that countries across the region are willing to work together as partners for peace,” Trump said.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Hostages Freed, Prisoners Released. All 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been released and handed over to the International Red Cross. In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners have started returning home under a landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Earlier this month, Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan.
Phased Release of Hostages & Prisoners
The hostage release took place in two phases. Thirteen Israeli hostages were moved to Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Meanwhile, 38 buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners arrived in Gaza. This is part of a larger deal involving the release of 2,000 Palestinian detainees from Israeli jails.
Trump Addresses Israeli Parliament
U.S. President Donald Trump called the deal a “historic moment” while addressing the Israeli Parliament. “After two years of darkness and captivity, 20 hostages are returning to their families. This is not just the end of a war but the beginning of new hope,” he said.
During the speech, two left-wing lawmakers protested in support of Palestine, disrupting the session briefly. Security personnel removed them, and Trump praised their swift action. He also credited Arab and Muslim nations for pressuring Hamas to release the hostages.
“This extraordinary cooperation shows that countries across the region are willing to work together as partners for peace,” Trump stated.
He praised Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner for brokering the ceasefire.
A Turning Point in the Regional Conflict
The ceasefire is seen as the most significant breakthrough in the two-year-long conflict. Tensions had expanded to include countries like Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon. Trump noted that the defeat of Hezbollah’s military threat from Lebanon was a major milestone and reaffirmed U.S. support for Lebanon’s new president.
Celebrations in Israel & Gaza
In Israel, citizens gathered at the Re’im military base and Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square” to welcome the freed hostages. Supporters waved flags and held up photos of their loved ones. In Gaza, masked Hamas fighters were seen overseeing the handover of hostages to Red Cross staff.
Trump to Receive Israel’s Highest Honor
President Isaac Herzog announced that Trump will receive Israel’s highest civilian award later this year for his role in facilitating the peace agreement.
Trump Vows to Tackle Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions
US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was aware of the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, claiming he would address the situation once he returns from the Middle East, as he described himself as “good at solving wars.”
Earlier in deadly clashes, over 200 Taliban killed while 23 Pakistani soldiers martyred.
President Trump, who reiterated his claim of having resolved several long-standing global conflicts, including the dispute between India and Pakistan, said the Gaza ceasefire would be the eighth conflict he has helped end.
“This will be my eighth war that I have solved, and I hear there is a war now going on between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I said, I’ll have to wait till I get back. I am doing another one. Because I am good at solving wars,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he began a flight from Washington to Israel.
“Think about India, Pakistan. Think about some of the wars that were going on for years. We had one going for 31, one going for 32, one going for 37 years, with millions of people being killed in every country, and I got every one of those done, for the most part, within a day. It’s pretty good…,” he added.
