Trump Declares Gaza War Over as Israel Awaits Hostage Release
JERUSALEM — Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared the Gaza war officially over on Sunday, expressing optimism for a new era of regional normalization, even as Israel continued preparations for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump told reporters, “The war is over, you understand that,” signaling a major turning point after nearly two years of conflict that has devastated the Gaza Strip and strained global diplomacy.
“I think it’s going to normalize,” Trump added, referring to broader Middle East relations, as he prepared to deliver a keynote address to the Israeli parliament on Monday.
Ceasefire Holds as Hostage Release Nears
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held for the third consecutive day on Sunday, with both sides appearing to honor the terms of a mediated agreement that includes the release of hostages and prisoners.
Israeli authorities confirmed they were expecting the release of 20 living hostages early Monday, with plans in place to receive them immediately. A government spokesperson, Shosh Bedrosian, stated that the bodies of 28 deceased hostages would also be returned under the deal.
In return, Israel is expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including 250 individuals convicted of serious crimes. However, the list does not include high-profile detainees such as senior Hamas leaders or political figures like Marwan Barghouti, whose release Hamas had previously demanded.
A New Chapter: Leaders Call for Unity and Healing
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Sunday night, describing the ceasefire as a chance to begin a “path of healing.”
“Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. A path of building, a path of healing, and I hope – a path of uniting hearts,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.
The sentiment was echoed by Palestinians in Gaza, many of whom began returning to the north of the Strip, including Gaza City, the epicenter of Israeli bombardments over the past two months.
“There is a lot of joy among the people,” said Abdou Abu Seada, a resident of Gaza. “But it’s joy mixed with exhaustion after two years of war.”
Trump to Address Israeli Knesset
Trump’s arrival in Israel marks a symbolic moment in efforts to move beyond the violence. His planned speech to the Knesset is expected to emphasize regional cooperation and American support for a post-war framework. Following his address, he will travel to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to attend a global summit on Gaza reconstruction and long-term peace.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is also scheduled to attend the summit, signaling rare diplomatic alignment at a critical juncture.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and senior adviser Jared Kushner spoke at a rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday, urging Hamas to release hostages and calling for a final end to the conflict.
Behind the Ceasefire: Diplomatic Mediation and Complex Exchange
The ceasefire deal was brokered with the help of the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. Under the agreement, Israel will also release approximately 1,700 Palestinians who have been detained since the October 7 Hamas attacks, as well as 22 minors and the remains of 360 deceased militants.
Gal Hirsch, Israel’s coordinator for hostage affairs, said a task force is being created to identify and recover any additional remains of hostages that Hamas could not locate.
Despite disputes over the list of prisoners to be released, Hamas officials confirmed that talks are ongoing and that they remain committed to the exchange as outlined.
Gaza’s Returnees Face Ruins
As displaced families trickle back into northern Gaza, they are met with overwhelming devastation. The region, once home to hundreds of thousands, now lies in ruins.
“We couldn’t believe the destruction we have seen,” said Rami Mohammad-Ali, who walked nearly 10 miles with his son from Deir Al Balah to Gaza City. “We are joyful to return, but at the same time we have bitter feelings about the destruction.”
Aid workers have warned that unexploded bombs and unstable buildings remain a serious risk in the area. Amjad Al Shawa, head of a local Palestinian aid coordination group, estimated that at least 300,000 tents are needed to shelter the 1.5 million displaced Gazans.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that military operations would continue in limited scope to destroy remaining Hamas tunnels once all hostages are safely returned.
Looking Ahead
As hostages begin to come home and Gaza residents return to their shattered communities, international attention now shifts to how peace can be sustained in the long term. The global summit in Egypt may serve as the first step in building a roadmap for recovery, reconciliation, and—perhaps most importantly—a durable peace.
For now, the guns have fallen silent. But whether this marks the true end of war or merely a pause in a long conflict will depend on what unfolds in the coming days.
