Donald Trump touched down in Israel today as Hamas begins the release of hostages as part of the historic peace deal he helped broker.
While en route, the US president announced that ‘the war is over,’ using the ceasefire as evidence that the Gaza conflict has transitioned into a new phase.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seen greeting Trump at the Ben Gurion International Airport.
The red carpet was rolled out for the American leader, who Netanyahu has described as a close friend.
He is set to receive a hero’s welcome when he addresses the country’s parliament later today.
Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who has been instrumental in his Israel policy, was also seen at the airport with his wife, Ivanka.
According to Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, Trump will also be awarded the country’s highest civilian honour later on this year.
Asked about his expectations for the region after securing the peace deal, he said: ‘I think it’s going to normalise.’
Trump expressed his willingness to visit Gaza, mentioning he would be ‘proud’ to do so. Prior to his arrival, he remarked: ‘Everyone is celebrating, whether they are Jewish, Muslim, or from Arab nations – countries are rejoicing in the streets.
‘It’s a pivotal moment, perhaps unprecedented in history. They have not experienced anything like this in 3,000 years.’ He noted that it was the ‘first time everyone is in harmony’.
He further commented that ‘there are numerous reasons ‘he is optimistic about the success of the ceasefire. ‘It’s been ongoing for centuries, far beyond recent times,’ he stated. ‘I believe people have grown weary, and the ceasefire will endure.’
A ceasefire between the two sides has held for days after the deal was signed, and Hamas agreed to the release of all hostages.
Iraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets Trump at the airport
Trump appeared in high spirits as he exited Air Force One
Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who has been instrumental to his Israel policy is also in Israel, accompanied by his wife Ivanka
Trump and Netanyahu were seen in conversation as they left the airport together
Thousands of Palestinians are journeying to Gaza City, where Israeli attacks have been concentrated in recent weeks, with hopes that peace will prevail.
In a televised address yesterday, Netanyahu stated: ‘Tomorrow marks the start of a new journey. A journey of construction, healing, and hopefully – a unification of hearts.’
All living Israeli captives are due to be released, with the bodies of the remaining 28 dead hostages to be released later.
Families of the hostages who have not yet been released by Hamas have held video calls with their loved ones.
Matan Zangauker’s mother, Einav, was seen speaking to her son in a video.
She told him: ‘You’re coming home – you’re all coming home. There’s no more war.’
Nimrod Cohen, a soldier who was also captured by Hamas, was seen talking to his parents, Viki and Yehuda.
Defence minister Israel Katz said today: ‘The State of Israel and the security establishment embrace our first seven hostages returning home, including IDF soldier Matan Angrest. We await all of them with excitement and great love.’
World leaders have reacted to the release of hostages. British prime minister Keir Starmer said: ‘Today is the first, crucial phase in ending the war in the Middle East.
‘Now we must deliver lasting peace and a secure future for the whole region.
‘The UK is providing additional humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, and we will lead efforts to accelerate its reconstruction.’
Starmer will join 20 other world leaders for a summit in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, where the peace plan will be on the agenda. Trump will be at the summit after he leaves Israel.
Donald Trump’s plane arrives in Israel ahead of the release of hostages held in Gaza
Trump greets his daughter Ivanka as he arrives in Israel
Trump is expected to receive a hero’s welcome in Egypt as well. Billboards bearing his photograph have been erected throughout the city.
Jubilant citizens gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, as the news of the release of the first hostages was broken.
It is estimated that at least 65,000 people had gathered in the square.
