GAZ@A: Ha-mas released the last remaining Isra-eli hostages on Monday under a historic ceasefire deal, marking a dramatic turning point after two years of devastating war in Ga@za. The release coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s speech in the Isra-eli parliament, where he declared the conflict over and urged both sides to turn battlefield victories into lasting peace.
The Israeli military confirmed receiving all surviving hostages from the Red Cross, sparking scenes of joy, tears, and relief among thousands gathered at Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square.” Families embraced and waved flags as freed captives were transferred to Sheba Medical Center for treatment.
Simultaneously, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners part of the 2,000 released under the agreement returned to Gaza and the West Bank. Many were carried on shoulders by jubilant relatives celebrating their freedom after years behind bars.
Trump calls for ‘peace after victory’
Addressing Israel’s Knesset, Trump said, “The skies are calm, the guns are silent, and the sun rises on a Holy Land finally at peace.”
He urged leaders to build on the truce and move toward “the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the Middle East” before departing for Egypt to attend a ceasefire summit in Sharm el-Sheikh.
The summit, bringing together over 20 world leaders, aims to finalize steps outlined in Trump’s 20-point peace blueprint an ambitious plan seeking stability after the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault that killed 1,200 Israelis and triggered the war.
Scenes of relief and heartbreak
Outside hospitals and military bases, families of freed hostages wept with joy after months of despair.
“I am full of happiness. It’s hard to describe my feelings,” said Viki Cohen, mother of released hostage Nimrod Cohen. “I didn’t sleep all night waiting for this moment.”
In Gaza, large crowds gathered at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, waving Palestinian flags and chanting for unity. “We are happy for our sons, but our hearts ache for all who died,” said Um Ahmed, whose relatives remain missing.
War’s heavy toll and next steps
According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israeli bombardments and ground offensives have killed over 67,000 Palestinians and left much of the enclave in ruins. Aid agencies report famine-like conditions in Gaza City, where over half a million people face starvation and millions remain displaced.
U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher called for immediate humanitarian access, urging world powers to “deliver food, fuel, and shelter at scale.”
Trump’s peace plan proposes reopening trade routes, establishing a “Board of Peace” with international oversight, and initiating talks for Gaza’s post-war governance. However, key challenges remain particularly over who will control Gaza and the future role of Hamas, which reportedly agreed to partial disarmament under the deal.
Lingering uncertainties
Despite celebrations, deep divisions and unresolved issues threaten the fragile calm.
Washington, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey helped broker the agreement, but questions persist over Israel’s future presence in Gaza and the recognition of a potential Palestinian state issues that have long derailed previous peace efforts.
Israeli authorities confirmed that 26 deceased hostages and two others of uncertain fate will also be repatriated. A committee has been formed to locate remains still buried beneath Gaza’s rubble.
As the region pauses after years of bloodshed, hope cautiously rises that this ceasefire could mark the first step toward a new era of coexistence though history reminds all sides how fragile peace can be.
