Trump addressed Israel’s Knesset on Monday morning moments after Hamas released the last 20 living hostages from Gaza—a pivotal milestone in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal that also triggered the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Trump Declares ‘End of the Age of Terror’
Speaking before a packed Israeli parliament, President Donald J. Trump called the moment “the historic dawn of a new Middle East,” declaring, “This is not only the end of a war—it’s the end of the age of terror and death.” His speech, frequently interrupted by applause, came just hours after the final group of hostages crossed into Israeli territory under Red Cross escort.
Among those freed were Alon Ohel, Matan Zangauker, Gali Berman, and Bar Kuperstein—many of whom had been held captive since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 people and ignited a brutal two-year war in Gaza.
Hostage Families Reunite After 700 Days
Emotional scenes unfolded at a reception center near the Gaza border, where families embraced their loved ones for the first time in nearly two years. “You are coming home!” Einav Zangauker told her son Matan during a video call from Gaza just before his release. “The nightmare is over,” said Dani Miran, father of Omri Miran, one of the freed hostages.
Israeli officials confirmed all 20 living hostages were accounted for. Hamas is still expected to return the remains of at least 26 deceased captives, though the timeline remains unclear.
Prisoner Swap Completes First Phase of Ceasefire
In exchange, Israel released 1,968 Palestinian prisoners to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza by Monday afternoon. Crowds gathered in Ramallah to welcome returning detainees, many waving Palestinian flags and flashing victory signs.
The swap marks the successful completion of Phase One of the Trump-brokered ceasefire agreement, which took effect Friday after months of secret negotiations involving the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
What Comes Next? Fragile Peace Ahead
Despite the breakthrough, major obstacles remain. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists Israel will not end the war until Hamas fully disarms—a condition the militant group has not accepted. Hamas has agreed to hand over civilian governance of Gaza to another Palestinian entity but refuses to surrender its weapons.
“The situation is very fragile,” said Abdullah Shehab, a Gaza resident. “The weak party hasn’t been convinced to accept the strong party’s demands.”
Trump’s Diplomatic Gamble Pays Off—For Now
Trump credited his administration’s hardline stance—particularly the June airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities—with creating the leverage needed to pressure Hamas. “We took a big cloud off the Middle East,” he told the Knesset, claiming Arab states only acted because they knew Iran was weakened.
He also floated a stunning proposal: a peace deal with Iran. “You know what would be great? If we could make a peace deal with them,” he said, though the suggestion drew silence from Israeli lawmakers.
By the Numbers: The Human Cost of War
| Category | Figure |
|---|---|
| Hostages taken on Oct. 7, 2023 | ~250 |
| Hostages still alive at release | 20 |
| Palestinian prisoners released | 1,968 |
| Palestinians killed in Gaza (per Gazan health authorities) | ~67,000 |
| Duration of war | 2 years |
Gaza in Ruins, Hope Mixed with Despair
While Israelis celebrated, many Gazans expressed exhaustion rather than joy. “There’s nothing to be happy about,” said Saed Abu Aita, who lost two daughters and his home. “My health has deteriorated, and I still have shrapnel in my chest.”
With cities reduced to rubble, famine conditions in parts of Gaza, and no functioning health system, residents fear the ceasefire may be temporary.
[INTERNAL_LINK:Middle East Peace Process] now hinges on whether Phase Two—full Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament—can be negotiated at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit later this week.
