The conditions of the Israel–Hamas ceasefire, brokered with the involvement of US President Donald Trump, came into effect on Monday, triggering the first exchange of hostages and prisoners under the agreement. Hamas released seven hostages— the first to be freed since the truce. In the meantime, Israel prepared to release nearly two thousand Palestinian prisoners and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Trump arrived in Israel on the same day to meet families of hostages, discuss postwar reconstruction, and advance the implementation of the US-backed deal.
Hostage and prisoner exchange begins
In total, 20 living hostages were released on Monday, while Israel prepares to free more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The bodies of 28 dead hostages will also be returned under the deal, though the timing remains uncertain.
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Also read: ‘Bringing them home’: How Israeli media paid tribute to Donald Trump; hails him for freeing Gaza hostagesCrowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square cheered as television networks confirmed that the first group had reached Red Cross custody. Across Gaza, buses lined up in Khan Younis in anticipation of prisoner releases, which include 250 people serving life sentences and 1,700 held without charge during the war.
Trump in Israel
Trump arrived in Israel on Monday, describing the ceasefire as a sign that “the war is over.” He is scheduled to meet families of hostages, address the Knesset, and travel to Egypt for a regional peace summit co-chaired with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas is also expected to attend, with discussions focused on postwar governance and Gaza’s reconstruction.Also read: Gaza peace accord: Will Israel confer its highest civilian honor on Donald Trump? – Here’s what we knowThe US-backed plan envisions an international body overseeing Gaza, supported by Arab-led security forces and Palestinian technocrats. Israel insists Hamas must disarm, while Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal — leaving key questions about Gaza’s long-term future unresolved.
Trump urges Israel to turn battlefield success into Middle East peace
US President Donald Trump addressed the Knesset on Monday, telling Israeli lawmakers that the country “has won all that they can by force of arms” and must now focus on peace and rebuilding after two years of war with Hamas.US President also remembered the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, saying the US will “never forget” the incident.He said the Palestinian people should choose to turn away from “terror and violence,” adding, “And the choice for Palestinians could not be more clear. This is their chance to turn forever from the path of terror and violence.”Praising Israel’s military victories, Trump called for translating them into “prosperity for the entire Middle East” and pledged US support for Gaza’s reconstruction.He also called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “Hey, I have an idea. Mr President, why don’t you give him a pardon?” and adding, “By the way, that was not in the speech, as you probably know. But I happen to like this gentleman right over here, and it just seems to make so much sense.”He also extended a “hand of friendship” to Iran.During the speech, Israeli lawmakers repeatedly gave Trump standing ovations, some wearing red hats reading “Trump, The Peace President.”
Trump’s Knesset speech interrupted as two Israeli lawmakers protest
Trump’s address to the Israeli parliament faced a brief disruption when two Knesset members, Hadash Party leader Ayman Odeh and MK Ofer Cassif, were removed from the chamber for holding signs demanding recognition of Palestine. The protest occurred while Trump spoke about special envoy Steve Witkoff and praised the international efforts that secured the Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.Also read: Protesters interrupt Trump’s address in Israel parliament – WatchThe Knesset speaker instructed officials to escort the lawmakers out, with other members applauding to refocus attention on the speech. Trump acknowledged the swift handling, calling it “very efficient,” and continued to highlight the ceasefire as a triumph for Israel and a step toward regional peace.
Netanyahu nominates Trump for Israel Prize
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Trump for the prestigious Israel Prize, calling him the “greatest friend that the state of Israel has ever had in the White House.”Speaking in the Knesset ahead of Trump’s address, Netanyahu said the nomination would make Trump the first non-Israeli recipient of the award and teased, “As to that other prize, just a question of time, you’ll get it!”Also read:Netanyahu nominates Israel’s ‘greatest friend’ Donald Trump for country’s highest awardEarlier, Knesset speaker Amir Ohana hailed Trump as a “colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history,” adding that the Jewish people will remember him “thousands of years from now.”Netanyahu also praised Israel’s soldiers, saying the country had “achieved amazing victories over Hamas,” as Israel prepared to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners under the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire.
Two years of conflict
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel’s subsequent offensive has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with about half reportedly women and children. Nearly 90 per cent of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced, and the enclave has been left in ruins.
Aid expected to surge
Under the ceasefire, Israel has approved 190,000 metric tons of humanitarian aid for Gaza, with deliveries expected to rise to 600 trucks per day. “Much of Gaza is a wasteland,” said UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, adding that the UN plans to restore essential services and clear debris over the next two months.
