Trump Arrives in Israel as Hostage Releases Begin
TEL AVIV – US President Donald Trump landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on monday, coinciding with the initial release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The arrival marks a whirlwind visit focused on the ongoing hostage situation and the future of Gaza,with further discussions planned in Egypt alongside French and British leaders,and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán,who accepted Trump’s invitation to join the talks.
Trump was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife,as well as Israeli President Isaac Herzog and other officials,including US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee,and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka Trump. The presidential aircraft, Air Force One, reportedly flew at a low altitude over Tel Aviv, allowing Trump to view crowds gathered on the beach celebrating the return of the first group of hostages. It also flew over the “hostage squares” where tens of thousands had assembled.
Following the airport welcome, Trump and Netanyahu met within the Israeli parliament, where differing perspectives on the conflict’s status emerged. While Trump stated,”the war is over,” Netanyahu characterized the moment as the beginning of the first phase of peace focused on hostage recovery,adding that “the operation has not ended.”
Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech in the Israeli parliament before departing for Egypt to continue negotiations regarding Gaza’s future. the involvement of President Macron, prime Minister Sunak, and Prime Minister Orbán signals a concerted international effort to de-escalate the situation and secure a lasting resolution.
