In an address to the Knesset, Trump hailed the ‘historic dawn of a new Middle East.’ 20 remaining living hostages have been returned to Israel.
Trump Departs Middle East After Signing Historic Peace Agreement
President Donald Trump has departed Egypt on Air Force One after meeting with world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh.
The Gaza cease-fire agreement that Trump signed with partners from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey affirms that the signatories “pursue a comprehensive vision of peace, security, and shared prosperity in the region, grounded in the principles of mutual respect and shared destiny.”
Families of Hostages Reveal Their Loved Ones’ Experiences
Family members of some of the 20 living hostages released by Hamas opened up about their loved ones’ time in captivity.
Matan Angrest was held in a dark tunnel during his time as a hostage, said his mother, Anat Angrest. He was given more food nearer his release, she said.
Evyatar David’s father said his son was starved during his time in captivity.
“They continued to starve him even after the video; ahead of the release, they tried to stuff him,” he said, referring to a video Hamas took of him that was released in August, showing him looking skeletal.show less
Egypt Awards Trump Its Highest State Honor
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi awarded President Donald Trump Egypt’s highest state honor, the Order of the Nile.
The Order of the Nile traces back to Egypt’s monarchical past, when it was used to confer a knighthood upon its recipient.
Trump said he was “deeply honored” to receive the award.
IDF Escorting Bodies of Four Hostages
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is escorting the bodies of four deceased hostages from Gaza to Israel.
“Four coffins of deceased hostages are currently being escorted by IDF and ISA forces on their way to Israel, where they will be transferred to the National Center of Forensic Medicine for identification procedures,” the IDF said in a post on X.
“Before crossing into Israeli territory, a military protocol will be held in Gaza in their memory,” the post stated.
“During the protocol, IDF soldiers will drape the hostages’ coffins with Israeli flags, salute them, and recite a chapter from the Book of Psalms.”
Trump Declares End to War in Gaza
In a speech in Egypt, President Donald Trump declared an end to the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
“After years of suffering and bloodshed, the war in Gaza is over,” he said.
“Humanitarian aid is now pouring in, including hundreds of truckloads of food and medical equipment and other supplies. Civilians are returning to their homes. The hostages are reuniting.”
Trump to Praise ‘Peace in the Middle East’ in Speech to World Leaders
President Donald Trump is slated to address world leaders, during which he will proclaim “a new beginning for the entire Middle East,” according to excerpts from the speech shared by the White House.
“This is the day that people across this region and around the world have been working, striving, hoping, and praying for,” the prepared comments read.
“Together, we have achieved the impossible. At long last, we have Peace in the Middle East.”
The president is expected to connect the success of the first stage of the peace deal to a wider ambition to foster a “spirit of cooperation” and “put the old feuds and bitter hatred behind us.”
“What we have achieved together in recent days will change history and be remembered forever,” the comments read.
“From this moment forward, we can build a region that is strong, stable, prosperous, and united in rejecting the path of terror once and for all.”
Trump, World Leaders Sign Peace Deal
President Donald Trump and other world leaders signed a deal to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
The deal was signed in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh.
The agreement includes the release of the remaining Israeli hostages, who were freed on Monday.
Israeli Hostages Reunite With Families After 2 Years
Hostages who had been held by Hamas for more than two years finally returned to their families in Israel on Monday.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posted images and video on X of hostages emotionally reuniting with their loved ones, as part of the first phase of the cease-fire between the terror group and the Jewish state.
Eitan Mor was seen embracing his parents, both wearing Israeli flags around their shoulders, in a short clip posted on the social media platform.
Witkoff and Kushner ‘Dug In’ on Peace Plan
Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East and peace missions, told reporters that he and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were “dug in,” and would continue to oversee the implementation of the peace deal in a hands-on way.
“The minute we had inked a deal, Jared and I were already working on the implementation side, so we’re dug in, we’ll be here quite a bit, [but] that’s at the discretion of the president,” Witkoff said.
“It feels like a very honorable job.”
Trump: Phase Two Has Started
President Donald Trump said that the second phase of the deal between Israel and Hamas has begun.
It is unclear what the conditions of the second phase are, but Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war, released on Sept. 30, includes the demilitarization of Hamas, and Gaza being temporarily governed by a “Board of Peace.”
Trump Arrives in Egypt
President Donald Trump has landed in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, where a deal will be signed to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas to Release Bodies of 4 Deceased Prisoners
Hamas announced that it would release the bodies of four deceased prisoners later on Monday.
According to Hamas, these prisoners are Guy Iluz, Bipin Joshi, Daniel Peretz, and Yossi Sharabi.
Iluz and Peretz were killed by Hamas in 2023, Sharabi was killed in captivity during an Israeli airstrike in 2024, and the circumstances around Joshi’s death in 2025 are unknown.
Trump Heads to Egypt Following Knesset Speech
President Donald Trump is heading to Egypt following his speech to Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.
He will be in the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh to oversee the signing of the deal to end the war between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be accompanying Trump, despite being invited, due to the summit falling on the Jewish holiday of Shemini Atezret.
Israeli Hostages Reunite With Families
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has posted images and video on X of hostages released by Hamas returning to their families.
Eitan Mor was seen embracing his parents, both wearing Israeli flags around their shoulders, in a short clip posted on the social media platform.
Mor was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists when they descended upon the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7, 2023.
“In praise and thanksgiving to God, we are happy to announce that our Eitan is home!” said a statement from the Mor family, shared on X by the Bring Them Home Now campaign.
“Our beloved Eitan, how we waited for you, how we waited to see you finally after two years. We saw you for the last time today, on Hoshana Rabbah, two years ago, and we embrace you today back into the family.”
The family also thanked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Donald Trump, and the IDF for bringing their son home.
Mor is just one of 20 surviving hostages handed over by Hamas in the first phase of the cease-fire deal.
‘What You’ve Done Is a Miracle’: Trump Praises Israel’s Endurance
President Donald Trump said he had met with many families of hostages over the past two years, describing their suffering as “unbelievable.”
Trump called it “a true honor” to address the Knesset in the “ancient and eternal capital, Jerusalem,” adding that the city “stands as living proof that a much brighter future for this entire region is truly within our grasp.”
In closing, Trump praised Israel’s endurance and progress, saying: “What you’ve done is a miracle. Look at your size. Look at your chances when it all started. … You are safer today, stronger today, and more respected today than at any time in the history of Israel.”
Trump Hopes for Peace With Iran, but First Russia–Ukraine
President Donald Trump said he hopes to reach a peace agreement with Iran, but that his priority will be resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“It would be great if we could make a peace deal with [Iran],” he said while speaking at the Knesset.
“I think they want to, I think they’re tired. … They want to survive. The last thing they want to do is start digging holes again in mountains that just got blown up.
“First, we have to get Russia done.”
Trump also said his administration was “actively supporting the new president of Lebanon and his mission to permanently disarm Hezbollah’s terror brigades.”
Trump called on Iran’s leaders to renounce terrorism, stop threatening their neighbors, end funding for militant proxies, and “finally recognize Israel’s right to existence.”
“This is not said out of weakness. There’s no weakness. But I’m going to say this, that we are ready when you are, and it will be the best decision that Iran has ever made,” he added.
Released Palestinian Prisoners Arrive in Ramallah
Buses carrying Palestinian prisoners arrived in Ramallah, in the West Bank, this morning.
More than 1,900 prisoners are being released today as part of the cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Cheering crowds greeted buses as they arrived in the administrative center of the Fatah-run Palestinian Authority.
Some prisoners had their heads shaved.
Hamas also posted pictures on Facebook showing released prisoners, all wearing white baseball caps outside the Nasser Hospital in Gaza.
Israel Has ‘Extraordinary Potential,’ Says Trump
President Donald Trump told the Knesset that Israel now has “extraordinary potential” for peace and growth following the end of the war with Hamas.
“Well, see now you can be a little bit nicer, Bibi, because you’re not at war anymore,” Trump said, addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Recalling his 2017 visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump said he had urged Arab and Muslim leaders to “build a future free of the grip of extremism and terror.”
He said that nations that “set aside their differences” and “reached across ancient divides” were now among the most successful in the region.
Trump praised the Abraham Accords as a foundation for expanded peace, calling on more nations to join.
Trump said that “the choice for Palestinians could not be more clear,” calling it their chance “to turn forever from the path of terror and violence.
Trump Highlights Military Support for Israel
Trump highlighted U.S. military power and support for Israel during his address to the Knesset.
“We make the best weapons in the world … and we’ve given a lot to Israel,” Trump said, adding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would often call requesting advanced systems.
He praised Israel for using those weapons well, saying its growing strength “ultimately led to peace.”
Turning to the events of Oct. 7, Trump recalled “the worst slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust,” calling the Hamas attacks “one of the most evil and heinous desecrations of innocent life the world has ever seen.”
“The United States of America grieved alongside you,” he said, vowing that America joins Israel in “two everlasting vows, never forget and never again.”
Trump said that since Oct. 7, “Israel has been a nation at war.”
He said the “long and painful nightmare” is over, calling it “a very exciting time for Israel and for the entire Middle East.”
Trump praised the IDF for their “bravery and incredible skill,” saying the “forces of chaos, terror, and ruin” had been “weakened, isolated, and totally defeated.”
He credited “Operation Rising Lion” for Israel’s military success and the cooperation between Israeli and U.S. forces.
Heckler Interrupts Trump’s Speech
Trump’s speech was briefly interrupted by a left-wing Israeli Knesset member who began shouting before being removed from the chamber.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana apologised to Trump, who responded, “That was very efficient.”
Trump continued his address as the Knesset members cheered and chanted his name.
Trump Hails Dawn of New Middle East
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the “historic dawn of a new Middle East,” as he began his address to the Knesset.
“This will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change and change very much for the better,” Trump said. “Like the USA right now, it will be the golden age of Israel and the golden age of the Middle East.”
He also thanked Arab and Muslim nations for working together to help free the hostages, calling it “an incredible triumph for Israel and the world.”
“After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families, and it is glorious,” he said.
Trump praised Netanyahu as “a man of exceptional courage and patriotism,” joking that the Israeli leader was “not the easiest guy to deal with, but that’s what makes him great.”
Netanyahu Addresses the Knesset
In his address to the Knesset, Netanyahu thanked Trump for helping in the release of all Israeli living hostages.
He described Trump as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House” and called the day “momentous,” marking the return of the remaining hostages.
“At the beginning of the war, I promised to bring all the hostages home today with the indispensable help, the determined and focused help, the unremitting help of President Trump his esteem, and with the incredible sacrifice and courage of the soldiers of Israel, we are fulfilling that promise,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu Won’t Attend Summit: PM’s Office
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he will not attend the upcoming peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Egypt’s presidential spokesperson said earlier that Netanyahu would join Trump and other world leaders at Monday’s summit.
Israeli leaders traditionally avoid traveling on the Jewish Sabbath and holidays, except in extraordinary circumstances.
“The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for the invitation but said he will be unable to attend due to time constraints ahead of the start of the holiday,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement on X, referring to the Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah holiday that begins tonight.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked President Trump for his efforts to expand the circle of peace – peace through strength,” the office added.
Ahead of Trump’s address, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana thanked Trump for his peace efforts and the release of hostages, calling him “a giant of Jewish history.”
“The Jewish people will remember you,” he said. “The world needs more Trumps.”
Ohana added that Israeli lawmakers will rally leaders from around the world to submit Trump’s candidacy for the Nobel Peace Prize next year, saying there was no one more deserving and referring to Trump as “the president of peace.”
Trump Arrives in Knesset to Prolonged Applause
Trump was greeted with prolonged applause and a standing ovation as he stood before the Knesset ahead of his address.
Israeli lawmakers also welcomed members of Trump’s delegation with a standing ovation and cheering.
The delegation included U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubi, Trump’s son-in-law and former Middle East envoy Jared Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
13 Hostages Cross Into Israel
The Israeli military said 13 of the remaining living hostages released by Hamas had crossed the border into Israel.
“They are currently on their way to the initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will reunite their families,” the IDF said in a post on X.
Following initial medical evaluations, six other hostages were airlifted to hospitals, accompanied by family members.
“IDF representatives are accompanying all family members who are waiting at the hospitals and continue to provide them with ongoing updates,” the military said in a statement.
Egypt Says Netanyahu to Attend Egypt Summit
Egypt’s presidential spokesperson has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will join Trump and other world leaders at Monday’s summit in Sharm El-Sheikh.
“Both Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will take part in the peace summit to solidify the agreement to end the war in Gaza and reaffirm their commitment to it,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that Trump and Netanyahu spoke by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi ahead of the meeting.
All Living Hostages Now Released
The Israeli military said that 13 hostages are being escorted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (ISA) personnel in Gaza on their return to Israel, where they will undergo initial medical evaluations.
The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel,” the military said in a statement. The IDF urged the public to act responsibly, respect the hostages’ privacy, and rely only on official information.
With this release, Hamas has handed over all 20 living hostages, as agreed in the first phase of the Trump-brokered Gaza peace deal.
Trump: ‘New Beginning’
The Israeli president announced on Monday that Trump, in the coming months, will be awarded the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor for his efforts to help secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
“President Trump’s legacy will be remembered for generations by the State of Israel and the Jewish people,” President Isaac Herzog said in a statement.
The medal, Israel’s highest civilian honor, has previously been awarded to U.S. Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton.
EU to Resume Gaza-Egypt Border Mission
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday that the European Union will restart its monitoring mission at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
“The peace plan requires strong international backing to succeed,” Kallas wrote in a post on X. “The EU stands ready to do its part. On Wednesday, it will restart a civilian mission to monitor the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt.”
Netanyahu, Trump Head for Knesset
Netanyahu and Trump are en route to the Knesset after Trump arrived in Israel. The two leaders, joined by President Isaac Herzog, walked a red carpet from Air Force One to the presidential motorcade as a military band played.
Netanyahu rode with Trump in the U.S. presidential limousine, known as “the Beast,” and the pair were seen speaking as the convoy departed for the Knesset.
Herzog thanked Trump for his efforts in securing the release of the hostages and his commitment to building a peaceful future in the region.
Trump Arrives in Israel
Trump has landed in Israel to mark the U.S.-brokered ceasefire as Hamas started releasing Israeli hostages after two years of war.
Air Force One touched down at Ben-Gurion International Airport at 9:42 a.m. local time, after flying over Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where tens of thousands have gathered, on the way to landing.
He was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Israeli envoy to Washington Yechiel Leiter, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and daughter Ivanka Trump, among others.
First 7 Hostages Released in Israeli Custody
Hamas released seven hostages on Monday, the first to be released as part of a cease-fire that has paused two years of war between Israel and Hamas in the devastated Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military acknowledged having received seven hostages after they were freed by Hamas and given to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The seven hostages will cross into Israel and be transferred to a military base in southern Israel to be reunited with their families. They’ll then be taken by helicopter to Israeli hospitals.
There was no immediate word on their condition. Hamas has said 20 living hostages will be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Families and friends of hostages broke out into wild cheers as Israeli television channels announced that the hostages were in the hands of the Red Cross. Tens of thousands of Israelis were watching the transfers live at public screenings across the country, with a major event being held in Tel Aviv.
Palestinians awaited the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump was arriving in the region, along with other leaders, to discuss the U.S.-proposed deal and postwar plans. A surge of humanitarian aid was expected into famine-stricken Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless.
The exchange of hostages and prisoners is part of the first phase of the cease-fire deal between Israel and the terrorist group.
Egypt to Award Trump Its Highest Civilian Honor
Egypt will award U.S. President Donald Trump the country’s highest civilian honor, the office of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said.
Trump will be given The Order of the Nile for his efforts to stop the war in Gaza, according to a statement from the Egyptian leader’s office.
The award will recognize Trump’s “distinguished contributions to supporting peace efforts, defusing conflicts, and most recently, his pivotal role in ending the war in Gaza,” it added.
Trump Set to Become 4th President to Address Israel’s Parliament–What to Know
TEL AVIV—The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that it has completed preparations to receive U.S. President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion Airport early on the morning of Oct. 13. A roughly 160-foot red carpet has been laid out at the center of the ceremonial plaza, alongside a platform for reporters and photographers, and dozens of Israeli and U.S. flags are flying.
At 11 a.m. local time (4 a.m. EDT), a trumpet fanfare will announce the president’s entrance into the Knesset plenum.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the assembly in a special session convened in Trump’s honor. Their speeches will be followed by the U.S. president’s speech.
Trump Set to Become 4th President to Address Israel’s Parliament–What to Know
TEL AVIV—The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that it has completed preparations to receive U.S. President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion Airport early on the morning of Oct. 13. A roughly 160-foot red carpet has been laid out at the center of the ceremonial plaza, alongside a platform for reporters and photographers, and dozens of Israeli and U.S. flags are flying.
At 11 a.m. local time (4 a.m. EDT), a trumpet fanfare will announce the president’s entrance into the Knesset plenum.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address the assembly in a special session convened in Trump’s honor. Their speeches will be followed by the U.S. president’s speech.
Gaza Cease-Fire Holds Ahead of Hostage Release, Trump Visit
The cease-fire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group held for a third day on Oct. 12, offering hope for a more lasting peace, two years after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
By noon on Oct. 13, Hamas is expected to release the remaining hostages from that attack. Israel, meanwhile, is expected to release 1,700 Palestinians who have been detained in the Gaza Strip.
During an interview with ABC News on Oct. 12, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said he expected 20 living hostages to be released within 24 hours.
