Trump Arrives in Israel as Hamas Begins Hostage Release Under Landmark Ceasefire Deal

US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel on Monday amid scenes of jubilation and relief, as Hamas handed over some of its last surviving Israeli hostages in what is seen as a major breakthrough toward ending two years of devastating conflict in Gaza.

Trump’s visit marks a pivotal moment in the fragile peace process. He landed in Tel Aviv shortly after Israel’s military confirmed receiving the first seven of 20 surviving hostages, released from Gaza through the Red Cross as part of a US-brokered ceasefire deal. The remaining hostages, including the bodies of those killed, are expected to be returned later in the day, alongside the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and prisoners.

Crowds gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to celebrate the homecoming, waving flags and embracing one another as the long-awaited transfers began.

“I am so excited. I am full of happiness. It’s hard to imagine how I feel this moment,” said Viki Cohen, mother of released hostage Nimrod Cohen, as she travelled to the Reim military base where the hostages were being received.

The ceasefire, negotiated last week in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, was signed by Israeli and Palestinian representatives under the mediation of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Trump is scheduled to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, before travelling to Sharm el-Sheikh to meet with more than 20 world leaders to discuss post-war reconstruction and security in the region.

Welcoming Trump at Ben Gurion Airport was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump, who becomes only the fourth US president to address the Knesset—after Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush—expressed optimism about a lasting peace built on dignity, security, and mutual respect.

In Gaza, preparations were underway for the parallel release of Palestinian prisoners, with masked Hamas fighters seen arriving at Nasser Hospital, where families awaited the return of loved ones.

“I hope these images mark the end of this war,” said Emad Abu Joudat, a 57-year-old father of six from Gaza City. “We lost friends, relatives, our houses, and our city. Now, maybe we can start again.”

The Hamas armed wing issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the deal, conditional on Israel’s compliance. It said Israel only agreed to the swap and ceasefire after failing to free hostages through its military campaign.

The war, which began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, has left Gaza in ruins. Over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health authorities, and most of the enclave’s population has been displaced.

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) urged Israel to increase humanitarian access to Gaza as rebuilding efforts begin.

As Air Force One touched down, Israelis lined the streets near the Reim camp, waving flags adorned with yellow ribbons—a symbol of hope for hostages. For many, Trump’s arrival and the day’s releases signalled the first tangible steps toward peace after years of grief and destruction.

Melissa Enoch