All 20 remaining Israeli hostages were released today by Hamas under the ceasefire agreement with Israel, in exchange for the liberation of more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The released prisoners were transported by bus to Ramallah in the West Bank and to Gaza amid scenes of celebration and emotional reunions.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli parliament, calling it “the historic dawn of a new Middle East”, and declaring that “the long and painful nightmare is finally over — for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
He added, addressing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly: “You’re no longer at war, Bibi, you can afford to be kinder”. Turning to President Isaac Herzog, Trump urged him to grant Netanyahu a pardon, as the Israeli leader continues to face corruption charges.
Hamas is also obliged to return the bodies of 26 dead hostages, a process expected to take time since many remain buried under rubble.
Later today, Trump will travel to Egypt to attend a summit focused on the ceasefire agreement, joined by more than 20 world leaders, including Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Mahmoud Abbas, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, Giorgia Meloni, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
According to the Associated Press, Turkish President Erdoğan led a diplomatic effort to exclude Netanyahu from the Cairo summit, arguing that his participation could hinder the fragile truce process. The Turkish initiative reportedly gained support from several other countries, and Netanyahu’s office confirmed he would not attend, citing observance of a Jewish holiday.
The full exchange and Trump’s symbolic address mark a dramatic milestone — one that could reshape regional diplomacy if the ceasefire holds.
What is fyi.news?
