Washington D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump announced Friday that Israelis held in Gaza by Hamas and other armed groups are expected to be released on Monday, as part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal. According to Trump, teh exchange will involve 20 living captives and the bodies of 28 Israelis who died while in captivity.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated Monday will be “big” as Hamas is slated to exchange all 48 Israeli captives – living and deceased – for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
“Some of those bodies are being unearthed right now, as we speak. They’re working on it right now,” Trump said. He described the situation as “a tragedy.”
trump also noted the arduous conditions faced by the living captives, stating they are “in some pretty rough places, where only some people know where they are.”
The president revealed plans to travel to Cairo this weekend and address the Israeli Knesset before returning to the United States.
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., was ratified by IsraelS government early Friday and whent into effect later that day. Israeli troops have begun withdrawing from areas in Gaza to designated locations, initiating the 72-hour countdown for Hamas to release the captives.
Trump expressed optimism about both the initial and subsequent phases of the ceasefire plan, stating both Hamas and Israel are “all tired of fighting.” He indicated a general consensus on the agreement, with remaining details to be finalized.
He also highlighted support for the deal from the European Union, Iran, and Russia, suggesting the peace plan could extend “beyond Gaza.”
“This is peace in the Middle East, and it’s a lovely thing,” Trump said.
