US President Donald Trump addressed Israel’s legislature Monday morning, declaring that the war in Gaza is over and the 20 remaining Israeli hostages will be released.
“After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families…and today, the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace,” Trump said.
Israel’s Cabinet approved the President Trump’s plan for peace on Friday, which called for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. Israel released more than 1,900 prisoners as part of the deal. To enforce the agreement, the US plans to send around 200 troops to Israel as part of a larger, international team. Trump also reportedly has plans underway to help rebuild Gaza.
Many released hostages have already returned to Israel. The White House posted a video Monday of Israeli Defense Forces welcoming home several individuals.
Along with peace comes many unanswered questions, such as how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza. President Trump is currently in Egypt to discuss the deal at a gathering of world leaders dubbed the “Summit for Peace.” Leaders from Turkey, Jordan, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, the United Nations, and the European Union are expected to attend.
Despite steps toward peace, tensions persist in the region. Hamas and Israel both acknowledged that it will take time to gather bodies in the three-day window stipulated by the agreement. Israeli officials have accused Gaza of “dragging its feet,” with Israel Katz, Israel’s defense minister, stating on X:
The urgent mission to which we are all committed now is to ensure the return of all the abducted bodies home. Hamas’s announcement about the expected return of 4 bodies today is a failure to meet commitments. Any delay or deliberate avoidance will be considered a gross violation of the agreement and will be responded to accordingly.
In exchange for the four bodies, Israel is expected to turn over the remains of at least 45 Palestinians.