In a moment that may mark the beginning of the end of two years of relentless conflict, Hamas today released the first seven of 20 surviving Israeli hostages, under a ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump. The U.S. leader landed in Israel to address the Knesset (Parliament), arriving to cheers and heightened hope for peace across the region.
Crowds filled Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, waving flags and embracing one another as news broke of the hostages’ safe return. “I am full of happiness. It’s hard to imagine how I feel this moment,” said Viki Cohen, whose son Nimrod was among the freed hostages. The seven were handed over to the Red Cross before being transferred to an Israeli military base in Reim for medical and psychological care.
According to Israeli authorities, the Red Cross will continue to escort more of the 13 remaining hostages throughout the day. The exchange also includes the return of 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, as well as the bodies of several deceased hostages.
A Step Toward Lasting Peace
In Gaza, masked Hamas fighters were seen at Nasser Hospital, where preparations were underway to welcome back freed Palestinian prisoners. “I hope this is the end of war,” said Emad Abu Joudat, a father of six from Gaza City. “We lost friends, homes, and our city. It’s time to rebuild and live.”
The releases are part of the first stage of a ceasefire agreement reached last week in Sharm el-Sheikh, where over 20 global leaders, including Trump, are gathering to discuss the region’s future. The agreement—mediated by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—will establish an international ‘Board of Peace’ to oversee reconstruction and governance efforts in Gaza.
Still, major challenges lie ahead. The question of who will govern Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the future of a Palestinian state remain deeply divisive.
President Trump’s arrival, greeted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a military band, marked a historic moment—he becomes only the fourth U.S. president to address Israel’s parliament, joining the ranks of Carter, Clinton, and Bush. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also announced Trump would receive Israel’s highest civilian honor later this year.
Two Years of Destruction
The war, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives and left Gaza in ruins. Israel has also endured heavy losses, with 1,200 people killed and more than 200 hostages taken during the initial assault.
International observers have long called for a ceasefire, as the humanitarian crisis deepened and accusations of war crimes mounted on both sides. With this new deal, hope flickers for the first time in years—but the path to peace remains fragile and uncertain.
For millions of Israelis and Palestinians, today’s developments carry more than political weight—they offer a glimpse of humanity reclaiming space amid decades of pain. The tears of relief, the embraces, and the silent prayers all speak one truth: peace begins not in power, but in people’s hearts.
