US President Donald Trump has declared the war in Gaza over as he travels to the region for the expected release of hostages by Hamas. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said: “The war is over. OK? You understand that?” He expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold.
Trump is due to arrive in Israel on Monday to address the Knesset before travelling to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt for a peace summit hosted by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Leaders from more than 20 countries are expected to attend the summit, which aims to finalise the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised statement: “Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of building, a path of healing, and I hope a path of uniting hearts.” Israel expects all 20 living hostages to be released simultaneously on Monday, according to a government spokesperson. They will be handed to the Red Cross, then taken to a military base for reunions with families or immediate hospital care if needed.
In exchange, Israel is prepared to release around 2,000 Palestinian detainees and receive the 28 hostages believed to be dead. However, US Vice-President JD Vance told Fox News: “The reality is, some of the hostages we may never get back.” Meanwhile, Hamas is insisting that seven Palestinian leaders be freed as part of the swap, sources close to negotiators told Agence France-Presse.
Thousands of Palestinians have been moving north towards Gaza City, hopeful that the ceasefire will bring an end to the war. “There is a lot of joy among the people,” said Gaza resident Abdou Abu Seada, though he noted the joy was tempered by exhaustion after two years of conflict. Iran has said it will not attend the Egypt summit, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi citing attacks and sanctions by some participants.
