Hostage Release & U.S. Support: Hamas Frees Seven, Trump Visits Israel
Gaza – Hamas has released seven hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), marking a notable development in ongoing negotiations and bringing a measure of relief to families after 738 days of uncertainty. Simultaneously, former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel Sunday, signaling strong american support for its ally amid the conflict.
The release of the hostages - identified as Guy Gilboa Dalal, Eitan Mor, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Gali, ziv Berman and Omri Miran – comes as efforts to secure a broader peace agreement intensify. While 20 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, this initial exchange offers a potential pathway toward ending the conflict and underscores the critical role of international mediation. Trump’s visit, including a planned address to the Knesset on Monday, is intended to bolster Israel’s position and facilitate discussions toward a lasting resolution.
During his flight from Washington D.C., Trump stated, “The war is over,” suggesting optimism regarding the progress toward peace. He is scheduled to travel to Egypt following his time in Israel to chair a Gaza peace summit with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Israeli president Herzog has announced plans to award Trump the nation’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his contribution to securing the hostages’ release and working toward an end to the Gaza war. The award ceremony is anticipated later this year.
the Israeli Foreign Ministry welcomed the released hostages with a statement on social media platform X: “We have waited 738 days to say this: Welcome back.” The ICRC facilitated the transfer of the seven hostages from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory.
(nvc/ita)
