In a significant development that promises to shift the dynamics in the Middle East, President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday night that Israeli hostages held by Hamas will be released on Monday. This move comes as part of a broader peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, which includes a cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to a pre-agreed line.
The announcement was made following successful negotiations mediated by Qatar, with the support of Egypt and Turkey. This agreement is seen as the first phase of a comprehensive ceasefire designed to put an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The details of the deal involve the release of all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. In tandem, Israeli military forces will pull back from much of the Gaza Strip, marking a significant de-escalation in the region.
During a phone call on Wednesday night with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, President Trump directly communicated with the families of the hostages, who collectively expressed their gratitude and faith in the president's commitment to securing the safe return of all 48 hostages, including those who have perished.
Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Thursday to further solidify the peace efforts.
The peace deal comes on the heels of the second anniversary of October 7, when Hamas initiated attacks on Israel, resulting in nearly 1,200 casualties and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. As of now, 48 hostages remain, with 20 believed to be alive.
A task force comprised of representatives from Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar has been established to locate the missing deceased hostages, with ground forces actively searching within the enclave.
The Israeli government is expected to ratify the deal on Thursday afternoon, with the prisoner-hostage exchange anticipated within 72 hours following the ratification.
In a televised conversation with Sean Hannity, President Trump hailed the agreement as a monumental step towards peace in the Middle East, not just Gaza. He expressed optimism about the region's future, envisioning prosperity and safety, with regional wealthy countries contributing to Gaza's reconstruction.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the development as a moment of profound relief felt worldwide, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed his astonishment at the prospect of the agreement.
The announcement's timing is noteworthy, as it precedes the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner's announcement by just two days, with Trump having been vocal about his ambition for the accolade.
