In a historic development, Hamas has begun releasing Israeli hostages as part of a peace plan brokered by former President Donald Trump to end the conflict in Gaza. The first group of seven living hostages was transferred to the Red Cross inside Gaza before being handed over to Israeli military personnel and returned to Israel. Israeli officials say 41 hostages remain in Gaza, including 13 who are alive, while Israel plans to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for their freedom. A ceasefire went into effect on Friday, allowing aid to flow back into Gaza as residents return to areas heavily damaged by the conflict.
President Trump arrived in Israel and was welcomed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion International Airport. During his brief visit, Trump is scheduled to address the Israeli Knesset and meet with the families of the hostages. The peace deal, which his administration helped negotiate, marks the first phase of the ceasefire agreement and a significant step toward stabilizing the region.
Following his visit to Israel, Trump is set to travel to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, where he will participate in a Middle East peace ceremony. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced that he will award Trump the “Order of the Nile,” the country’s highest state honor, in recognition of his role in halting the Gaza war and advancing peace efforts. The award will be presented in the Collar form, reserved for heads of state.
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