President Donald Trump announced that the conflict between Israel and Hamas has come to an end. He made this statement while on his way to Israel aboard Air Force One. Trump is set to arrive in Israel on Monday, where he will meet with the families of hostages and those recently released by Hamas as part of a new peace initiative he is leading.
While expressing optimism about the ceasefire, Trump acknowledged the challenges ahead. He stated, “I think it’s going to hold,” citing a general fatigue among people regarding the long-standing conflict. He noted that the violence has persisted for centuries, suggesting that many are ready for a change.
In his remarks, Trump mentioned that Hamas currently holds “all 20” hostages known to be alive in Gaza. He expressed hope that these individuals might be released sooner than expected. Trump described the situation surrounding the hostages as complex, indicating that their locations were difficult to pinpoint.
Tragically, 28 other hostages are believed to have died, and there are concerns about how many bodies will be returned to Israel. The Israeli government is anxious about the possibility that some of these bodies may have been lost in Gaza.
As part of the peace deal, Israel plans to release 250 Palestinian prisoners who are serving life sentences, along with another 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7. Many of these prisoners have been linked to terrorism, and some have been previously released only to be recaptured.
In a significant move, the Israel Defense Forces have withdrawn from key areas in Gaza, although they have not completely exited the territory. This step is part of the agreement aimed at establishing a lasting peace.
During his visit, Trump will deliver a speech to the Knesset before heading to Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt. This coastal town was where the ceasefire and peace agreement were negotiated. There, he will participate in a ceremony focused on Middle East peace before returning to Washington.
