In a historic development, the Gaza ceasefire appears to be holding as Palestinian militant group Hamas on Monday handed over all 20 surviving Israeli hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The move marks a major step toward de-escalation after weeks of conflict that claimed thousands of lives.
In exchange, Israel is set to release around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including 1,700 individuals detained from Gaza without formal charges, as part of the U.S.-brokered peace deal.
The ceasefire, widely seen as a diplomatic triumph for U.S. President Donald Trump, has been hailed by global leaders as a turning point in the decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict.
“Holy Land Finally at Peace,” Says Trump
During his address to the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) in Jerusalem, President Trump declared that the Middle East was witnessing “a new dawn of peace.”
“The Holy Land is finally at peace,” Trump said to applause. “This agreement is proof that when there is courage on both sides, miracles can happen.”
Trump, who arrived in Israel on Monday morning, met with the families of released hostages and senior Israeli officials before his speech. Later, he is expected to travel to Egypt for the Gaza Peace Summit, which will bring together regional and international leaders to discuss long-term stability in the region.
Hostage Exchange Marks Breakthrough
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the 20 surviving hostages had been safely transferred to Israeli custody in coordination with the Israel Security Agency (ISA).
“The seven released hostages are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip,” the army said in a statement.
However, uncertainty remains over the fate of 28 deceased hostages believed to have died during captivity. The Associated Press reported that an international body will assist in locating and recovering the remains if they are not handed over in the coming days.
1,900 Palestinian Prisoners to Be Released
As part of the ceasefire deal, Israel will release roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including about 250 individuals convicted of deadly attacks on Israelis and others held on lesser charges.
The move is being described as one of the largest prisoner releases in the country history. Israeli authorities confirmed that the process will be supervised by international observers to ensure compliance.
Human rights groups have welcomed the announcement but urged both sides to continue dialogue to prevent renewed violence.
Aid Flow Resumes to Gaza
Hundreds of aid trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and fuel began crossing into Gaza from Egypt on Monday morning.
According to officials, around 400 trucks were ready to enter on Sunday, with the number expected to rise to 600 per day under the terms of the ceasefire. The deliveries are expected to ease a severe humanitarian crisis after months of blockade and conflict.
“This is a lifeline for Gaza,” a spokesperson for the UN Relief Agency (UNRWA) said. “But lasting peace requires more than aid — it needs sustained commitment to dialogue.”
What Happens Next
The next 24 hours are being viewed as critical for the success of the ceasefire. Security analysts warn that while the truce has held so far, both sides remain on alert amid fears of isolated attacks or violations.
Trump diplomatic mission continues in Cairo, where he will join Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and European Union officials to discuss the roadmap for a permanent peace framework.
“This is not just a ceasefire,” Trump told lawmakers in Jerusalem. “It’s a beginning — the start of something the world has waited for too long.”
If the ceasefire endures, it could pave the way for renewed peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority — a process that has remained frozen for nearly a decade.
