JERUSALEM – All living Israeli hostages held in Gaza have been freed, concluding a complex and protracted negotiation facilitated by the United States, as former President Donald Trump addressed the Israeli Knesset on Monday. The release, confirmed by Israeli officials, brings an end to months of anguish for families and marks a meaningful growth in the ongoing conflict.
The release of the hostages-the exact number of whom has not been officially disclosed but is believed to be over 100-follows intensive mediation efforts led by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. This development arrives as Trump, speaking before the Israeli parliament, received effusive praise from Israeli officials for his role in brokering the Abraham Accords and potential for further regional normalization. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, speaking alongside Trump, stated, “The fact that you were not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize is a grave mistake by the committee – but they will have no choice, Mr. President. They will have to award it to you next year.”
Lapid further asserted that Trump had accomplished the “unimaginable,” but now Israel needs to “take responsibility” for next steps. He emphasized Israel’s enduring presence in the region, declaring, “the Middle East is our home. We are here to stay.” He extended an invitation to neighboring nations, including Saudi Arabia and Syria, to engage in dialogue, stating, “We can do great things together. Come talk to us.”
Addressing Trump directly, Lapid urged him to leverage his influence to usher in a new era of peace, stating, “You are the one who can make it happen - as you did with the historic Abraham Accords…You can be the one to bring the next wave of peace.” He added that a forthcoming visit to Egypt could ”forge a regional alliance that will change not only the Middle East - but the entire world.”
Lapid also criticized recent protests against Israel, claiming those involved “were deceived.”
