Trump declares Gaza War over: World leaders sign peace deal after Hamas, Israel release hostages and prisoners

TEL AVIV: 20 Israeli hostages who saw death face to face in Hamas' dark dungeons breathed the air of life in the land they were born in after 737 days. 1,968 Palestinian prisoners who had been in Israeli prisons also saw the light of freedom.

US President Donald Trump announced in the Israeli parliament that the war is over. A crucial peace summit to decide the future of Gaza has begun in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, under the leadership of Trump. More than 20 world leaders are participating.

Israel had implemented a ceasefire in Gaza and withdrawn its troops from certain areas. With this, Hamas released all the hostages alive. The bodies of four hostages were handed over at night. The remaining bodies will be handed over in stages.

The hostages, who were handed over to the Red Cross, were flown back to their country by helicopter by the Israeli military. They were welcomed by relatives and officials and then admitted to hospitals. Hamas members gathered in front of Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis to receive the Palestinian prisoners.

Trump arrived at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv less than two hours after the hostage transfer was completed and was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. After meeting with the families of the hostages, Trump addressed the Israeli parliament and then flew to Egypt.

"After so many years of unceasing war and endless danger, today, the skies are calm, the guns are silent, the sirens are still, and the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace" - Donald Trump (speaking in the Israeli parliament)

Peace Board to Oversee

Trump and the mediator countries Qatar, Egypt and Turkey officially signed the US Gaza peace plan during the Egypt summit. The first phase of the plan has now been implemented. Discussions have begun for the second phase. Trump will chair an international peace board to oversee the transfer of power and reconstruction of Gaza, as well as a new civilian police force in Gaza.

Crisis

Although ready for a transfer of power, Hamas is not ready to lay down its arms without the establishment of a Palestinian state. Israel will retaliate if Hamas refuses to disarm.

Hostages as follows

Hamas Hostages taken in the October 7, 2023 attack: 251

Freed or escaped: 146

Killed: 57

Freed yesterday: 20

Bodies handed over to Israel yesterday: 4

Remaining hostages in Gaza: 24 (22 confirmed killed. 2 missing)