Hamas Begins Releasing Israeli Hostages as Trump Arrives in Israel for Historic Peace Talks
In a moment charged with emotion and cautious hope, Hamas released the first seven of 20 surviving Israeli hostages today — a crucial step in ending two years of devastating war in Gaza. The move comes under a ceasefire deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived in Israel to deliver a landmark address to its parliament.
Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where scenes of relief and heartbreak unfolded. Families wept, embraced, and waved flags as Israel’s military confirmed it had received seven hostages safely, transferred out of Gaza by the Red Cross.
“I am so excited. I am full of happiness. It’s hard to imagine how I feel this moment,” said Viki Cohen, the mother of freed hostage Nimrod Cohen, as she prepared to reunite with her son at the Reim military camp.
Israeli officials said the Red Cross is also preparing to receive 13 more living hostages, with their return expected by the end of the day. In addition, Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners — a gesture intended to mark a turning point in the long and painful conflict.
Global Leaders Meet for Peace
At Nasser Hospital in Gaza, masked Hamas fighters gathered as preparations were made to receive returning Palestinian prisoners. “I hope this is the end of the war,” said Emad Abu Joudat, 57, a Palestinian father of six. “We lost friends and relatives, we lost our houses and our city.”
The prisoner exchange forms part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement reached last week in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where President Trump will meet with over 20 world leaders later today. The U.S., along with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, mediated the agreement — with the next step being the creation of an international “Board of Peace” led by Trump himself.
However, uncertainty looms. Key issues remain unresolved, including governance of Gaza post-war and whether Hamas will agree to Israel’s demand for disarmament. The future of a possible Palestinian state remains another deeply divisive issue.
Trump landed in Israel shortly after news of the first releases broke. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greeted him personally at the airport, where a military band played and crowds gathered. Trump will soon become only the fourth U.S. president to address the Knesset, following in the footsteps of Carter (1979), Clinton (1994), and Bush (2008).
A Region in Ruins, Searching for Renewal
The war, now in its second year, has left Gaza in ruins — nearly its entire 2.2 million population displaced. Israeli strikes have killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, while the conflict has fueled regional instability involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Houthi forces.
At Israeli prisons, buses carrying nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees departed for Gaza, symbolizing fragile hope amid immense loss. Hamas’ armed wing confirmed its commitment to the ceasefire deal, provided Israel adheres to its terms.
UN officials welcomed the breakthrough, urging both sides to maintain humanitarian access. “This is a moment to rebuild trust — not just infrastructure,” said UN aid chief Tom Fletcher.
For now, families on both sides cling to a single, shared emotion — relief. Amid the pain, they dare to believe peace might finally have a chance.
Because behind every political headline are mothers waiting, children hoping, and nations yearning to heal.