A sense of cautious hope is rising across the Middle East today as Israel announced that all living hostages held in Gaza are expected to be released within hours, marking a major turning point in the two-year-long Israel-Hamas conflict.
A Historic Moment in the Israel-Hamas War
Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, confirmed on Sunday that “in a few hours, we will all be reunited,” referring to the remaining hostages still in Gaza. This statement came as U.S. President Donald Trump prepared for a one-day visit to Israel and Egypt to celebrate the newly achieved ceasefire — one that many hope will finally hold.
“The war is over,” Trump told reporters, adding that he looked forward to visiting Gaza himself to “witness peace in action.”
Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Plan
According to Israeli officials, 20 living hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross and transported to a military base for reunions or medical care.
In exchange, Israel is set to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including hundreds serving life sentences. Hamas, meanwhile, has been in Cairo negotiating the inclusion of prominent figures such as Marwan Barghouti, a popular Palestinian leader.
An international task force will also work to locate the bodies of 28 hostages believed to be deceased within the next 72 hours.
Humanitarian Aid and UN Support Surge
The United Nations reported “real progress” in getting humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Cooking gas entered the region for the first time since March, and over 190,000 metric tons of aid have now been approved — including hot meals, bread, and medical supplies.
Officials expect 600 trucks of aid per day under the new ceasefire deal, as efforts continue to restore hospitals, remove rubble, and rebuild the shattered infrastructure.
Trump’s Middle East Visit and Peace Summit
President Trump’s visit will include meetings with hostage families and a speech at the Israeli Knesset, followed by a peace summit in Cairo co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.
Regional leaders, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, are expected to attend, signaling what may be the beginning of a broader diplomatic dialogue on Gaza’s future governance.
Life Amid the Rubble in Gaza
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Palestinians have returned north to Gaza City, many finding only ruins where their homes once stood.
“It was flattened, just like everything else,” said Mohamed Samy, a resident of Jabaliya. “It was like the building never even existed.”
First responders have recovered hundreds of bodies since the truce began, and health officials continue to search for the missing amid collapsed neighborhoods.
The Cost of Two Years of War
The conflict, which erupted after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, has left over 67,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, leveling much of the territory and sparking international outrage, protests, and accusations of war crimes — charges Israel denies.
As the ceasefire takes hold, many around the world are watching to see whether this fragile peace will endure — and whether it can finally bring healing to both Israelis and Palestinians after years of unimaginable loss.
#IsraelHamasCeasefire #GazaHostages #MiddleEastPeace #TrumpVisit #HumanitarianRelief