Politics
NEW: Trump Meets With Families Of Gaza Hostages After Historic Ceasefire
After Israel officially announced the release of the remaining 20 living hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023, attack, a number of the hostages’ family members met with President Donald Trump ahead of his historic speech in front of Israeli lawmakers.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the release of Nimrod Cohen, Elkana Bohbot, Matan Angrest, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel, Evyatar David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Eitan Mor, Segev Kalfon, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Matan Zanguaker, Bar Kupershtein, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, and Omri Miran.
Cohen, who survived an RPG attack on his tank captured in widely circulated footage, was airlifted to Ichilov Hospital by a helicopter piloted by Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar.
The militant group also handed over the remains of four deceases hostages in a transfer that was overseen by the Red Cross. “Hamas is required to abide by the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the bodies.” Israeli officials described the delivery of only four bodies as a violation of the agreement, which called for 28 remains. In return, Israel released 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 who were serving life sentences.
After arriving in Israel to celebrate the agreement of the Trump-negotiated 20-point peace plan, the president met with several relatives of the hostages who had been in captivity for 738 days. Photos shared by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum show Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with the group.
The president went on to reference his meeting with the families in a powerful moment of his speech before the Israeli Knesset. “I’ve looked into their eyes. I’ve seen the worst nightmares of their suffering, but I’ve also seen something else: the beautiful love of the people. That holds things together — the love that gives you the courage to carry on through thousands of years of persecution and repression and to emerge with the heart of David,” Trump said.
“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. People used to say it wouldn’t exist. They don’t say that anymore,” he added, drawing a standing ovation.
Following his stop in Israel, Trump immediately traveled to Egypt in order to meet with world leaders, including key regional partners who played a key role in securing the agreement and have pledged to monitor its lasting success.
Both sides agreed to the deal on Thursday after weeks of intense negotiations mediated by the United States, as well as key regional partners, including Turkey, Qatar, Egypt and others.
Under phase one of the agreement, all remaining Israeli hostages were freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Israeli forces also agreed to withdraw to pre-agreed lines, reducing military presence in Gaza.
This was to be followed by an immediate surge in aid to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with food, medical supplies, and shelter prioritized. The surge began immediately after the deal was agreed to on Thursday.
Hamas will also be required to relinquish control over Gaza, with a transitional authority backed by leading regional partners to oversee governance going forward. A multinational force, possibly including US, Egyptian, and Qatari observers, will also be tasked with monitoring compliance.
