Hamas has released first seven Israeli hostages as Trump lands in Israel for peace summit.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Hamas has handed over the first seven of 20 surviving Israeli hostages to representatives of the Red Cross in Gaza on Monday, marking the first stage of a major prisoner exchange under a new ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Israeli military confirmed that the hostages were safely transferred into the custody of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and security service (ISA) inside Gaza. “The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on,” the statement added.
The emotional development sparked cheers and tears of joy across Tel Aviv, where thousands gathered at Hostages Square to celebrate the first successful handover.
“I’m torn between emotion and sadness for those who won’t be coming back,” said Noga, one of the supporters in Tel Aviv, expressing both relief and grief.
The release comes almost two years after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, during which 251 people were taken hostage and over 1,200 killed, mostly civilians. Earlier truces had led to the freedom of most captives, but 47 hostages remained in captivity until this new deal.
Trump Declares ‘War Is Over’
President Donald Trump, who arrived in Israel on Monday, declared the Gaza conflict “over” as he prepared to attend a peace summit aimed at formalizing the end of the war.
“I think it’s going to hold. I think people are tired of it. It’s been centuries,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “The war is over. Okay? You understand that?”
His lightning visit includes meetings with the families of hostages and an address to the Israeli parliament (Knesset) in Jerusalem.
Details of the Peace Deal
Under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Hamas is expected to release all 20 living hostages, while Israel will begin freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including 250 security prisoners and 1,700 people detained during the war.
Negotiations continued late Sunday as Hamas insisted that seven senior Palestinian leaders be added to the release list — a point Israel has so far resisted.
Trump described the deal as part of a 20-point peace roadmap, unveiled in late September, designed to stabilize Gaza and pave the way for a multi-national security force to take over from Israeli troops.
Gaza’s Pain and Hope
In Gaza, civilians are cautiously welcoming the ceasefire. Much of the enclave lies in ruins after years of bombardment.
“I returned to Sheikh Radwan with my heart trembling,” said Fatima Salem, a 38-year-old resident of Gaza City. “Nothing looked the same — even the neighbors’ houses were gone. But I still feel like I’m home, even if it’s just rubble.”
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 67,800 people have been killed during the war, more than half of them women and children, according to United Nations-verified data.
Next Stop: Egypt Peace Summit
Following his meetings in Israel, Trump will travel to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to co-host a global peace summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, joined by more than 20 world leaders.
The summit will focus on the next phase of Trump’s plan — establishing a new governing body for Gaza, backed by a U.S.-led multinational force to oversee reconstruction and maintain stability.
Trump hinted that he would be “proud” to visit Gaza in the near future, calling the unfolding peace effort “a very special moment in time.”