President Donald Trump signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement marking the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as the last 20 living hostages held since the October 7, 2023, attacks were released and returned to Israel.
Hostages Freed After More Than Two Years
The final group of hostages was released Monday as part of a prisoner-hostage exchange. Among them was Omri Miran, who reunited with his daughters after more than two years in captivity. The moment, captured at a Tel Aviv hospital, symbolized the end of a harrowing chapter for the families of those taken by Hamas.
Remains of Deceased Hostages Repatriated
Four coffins carrying the remains of deceased hostages were transferred to Israeli forces and are being returned to Israel. A military ceremony in Gaza honored the victims, with IDF soldiers draping coffins in Israeli flags and reciting prayers before transport to the National Center of Forensic Medicine for identification.
Trump Declares “War in Gaza Is Over”
Speaking at a peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Trump told more than 30 world leaders that “the war in Gaza is over,” though officials cautioned that this marks only the first stage of a broader deal. “Together we’ve achieved what everybody said was impossible — at long last, we have peace in the Middle East,” Trump said, adding that “the rebuilding begins now.”
Gaza Begins to Rebuild
In Gaza, some displaced Palestinians have begun returning to their neighborhoods, confronting widespread destruction from two years of war. The ceasefire agreement, while fragile, represents the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the conflict began.
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