Israel Confirms Last Hostages Freed; Trump Declares ‘War Is Over’

NPC Reporter
United Kingdom-All 20 remaining hostages held in Gaza have now been released, the Israeli military confirmed on Monday, marking a major milestone in the ceasefire agreement brokered earlier this week.

The hostages were abducted by Hamas during the 7 October 2023 attacks in southern Israel. Among those freed are twin brothers Ziv and Gali Berman, who were seen reunited in Gaza earlier today before being transported to Israel for medical assessment.

As part of the exchange deal, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners and more than 1,700 detainees currently held in its custody.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who has played a central role in mediating the Gaza ceasefire, has arrived in Jerusalem and is set to address Israel’s parliament (the Knesset) within the hour. After his speech, the former US president is expected to travel to Egypt for a regional peace summit alongside other world leaders.

Earlier in the day, Trump declared that the “war is over” in Gaza, though he declined to elaborate on the next phase of his proposed peace plan, leaving questions about long-term stability and reconstruction efforts unanswered.

Inside the Knesset, anticipation is high. The chamber is steadily filling, with many attendees wearing red caps emblazoned with the slogan “Trump the Peace President”, a twist on Trump’s well-known campaign phrase.

The address is expected to focus on regional security, post-war rebuilding efforts, and Trump’s broader Middle East peace vision.