Deir Al-Balah (Gaza Strip): Hamas on Monday released all 20 remaining living hostages as part of a ceasefire deal, bringing an end to two years of devastating war in the Gaza Strip that claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.
The releases coincided with a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Israel, where he hailed the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas as a “historic step” that effectively ended the conflict and opened a path toward lasting peace in the Middle East.
Under the agreement, Israel freed more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and agreed to allow increased shipments of food and humanitarian aid into famine-stricken Gaza. Trump is expected to discuss the deal and postwar reconstruction plans with regional leaders during a summit in Egypt later Monday.
154 Freed Prisoners Arrive in Egypt
An Egyptian official confirmed that 154 Palestinian prisoners released and deported by Israel had arrived at Egypt’s Rafah crossing with Gaza.
The official, speaking anonymously as he was not authorized to brief the media, said the prisoners would be relocated to third countries as part of the ceasefire agreement. They were among the 1,900 Palestinians freed in exchange for Hamas’ release of its remaining hostages.
Trump Urges Pardon for Netanyahu
In a surprising moment during his remarks, President Trump called on Israel’s president to pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces corruption charges.
“That wasn’t in the speech, as you probably know,” Trump quipped. Turning to Netanyahu, he added, “You’re a very popular man. You know why? Because you know how to win.”
Netanyahu, the first sitting Israeli prime minister to be indicted, has been charged with fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in multiple cases involving wealthy associates.
Defending him, Trump said, “Whether we like it or not, he’s been one of the greatest wartime presidents. And cigars and champagne — who the hell cares about that?”
Iraqi PM Threatens to Withdraw Over Netanyahu’s Attendance
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reportedly threatened to leave the Egypt peace summit if Netanyahu attended, according to the state-run Iraqi News Agency.
Initially, Egypt’s presidency announced Netanyahu’s participation, but his office later said he would not attend due to a Jewish holiday.
The summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and President Trump, is expected to include around two dozen world leaders seeking to solidify the Gaza ceasefire.
Trump Addresses Israeli Parliament
Trump delivered a more than hour-long address to Israel’s Knesset, often veering off script. Even after saying “In closing,” he continued speaking for several more minutes.
He reiterated that Palestinians should now “focus on building their people up,” adding that peace required “mutual respect and opportunity.”
His speech delayed his travel plans to Egypt, where he is due to join world leaders to discuss the Middle East peace framework. “I’ll be quite late,” Trump joked. “They might not be there by the time I get there, but we’ll give it a shot.”
Palestinians Celebrate Prisoner Releases
Celebrations erupted in the occupied West Bank as freed prisoners were released from Israel’s Ofer Prison and greeted by cheering crowds in Beitunia and Ramallah.
Waving Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs, hundreds gathered outside the Ramallah Palace of Culture to welcome them. Human rights reports detailing harsh conditions in Israeli prisons have made Palestinian detainees enduring symbols of national resistance.
“It was an indescribable journey of suffering — hunger, humiliation, torture, and curses — more than anyone could imagine,” said Kamal Abu Shanab, a 51-year-old Fatah member from Tulkarem, who spent 18 and a half years behind bars.
His family barely recognized him — gaunt and with a shaved head — after he lost nearly 60 kilograms during his imprisonment. Most of those released had been serving lengthy sentences for involvement in attacks against Israelis.
