TEL AVIV—Amidst a tenuous ceasefire in Gaza, Israel is on the verge of securing the release of its last 20 living hostages from Hamas custody this Monday morning. This is part of the initial phase of a groundbreaking peace agreement facilitated by the United States under the guidance of President Donald Trump.
The first group of seven hostages has already been released early today, and all remaining individuals are expected to be freed by midday local time. This marks an emotional end to a period of suffering that commenced with the October 7, 2023 terror assaults, resulting in the loss of 1,200 Israeli lives and the capture of 251 hostages. In return, Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including 250 who have received lengthy sentences and 1,700 captured during the conflict.
***Follow all of the events on the – News Live Wire below. All times in Israel Standard Time (IST).***
11:36 AM: Below is a live feed of President Trump’s address at the Knesset:
11:13 AM: President Trump reached the Knesset, warmly welcomed by Speaker Amir Ohana. There, he signed the guestbook, inscribing: “This is my great honor — a great and beautiful day. A new beginning.”
11:00 AM: The remaining 13 living hostages have been released by Hamas in Gaza to the Red Cross, an Israeli source told CNN.
10:40 AM: Trump is heading to Jerusalem for a gathering with the hostages’ relatives and to give a speech at Israel’s Knesset. He will be the fourth American president to address the Knesset’s assembly.
10:31 AM: N12News Chief political analyst shared the first image of freed hostage Gali Berman in Israel with IDF soldiers.
10:24 AM: President Trump touched down at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, warmly received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
Trump was also welcomed by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, former senior White House advisor and his son-in-law, who were instrumental in negotiating the U.S.-led peace plan.
10:00 AM: The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released the names of seven hostages who were safely returned to Israeli territory, marking a significant development in ongoing regional tensions.The freed individuals are Ohel Alon, Angrest Matan, Berman Gali, Berman Ziv, Gilboa-Dalal Guy, Mor Eitan, and Miran Omri, according to an official statement.
