Hamas, Israel ceasefire: Hostage-prisoner swap marks new era in Middle East

GAZA: All 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been released and handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross, as hundreds of Palestinian prisoners begin their return home under a historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The release of the hostages took place in two phases, with 13 being transferred to the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. In parallel, 38 buses carrying the freed Palestinian prisoners have already arrived in Gaza as part of a larger plan to release 2,000 prisoners from Israeli jails.

US President Donald Trump, addressing the Israeli parliament, hailed the development as a “historic moment” and “a new era for the Middle East”. “After two years of darkness and captivity, 20 hostages are being returned to their families,” he said. “This is not just the end of a war, but the beginning of new hope.”

During Trump’s speech, two left-wing members of the Israeli parliament protested in support of Palestine, chanting slogans and briefly rioting before security officers escorted them out. Trump praised the parliament’s security staff for their quick action and continued his speech, highlighting the role of Arab and Muslim countries in pressuring Hamas to release the hostages.

“This extraordinary cooperation shows that countries across the region are ready to work together as partners for peace,” Trump said. He praised members of his administration, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, for their role in facilitating the ceasefire.

The deal is widely seen as the most significant step toward ending the two-year conflict, which has spiraled into a wider regional conflict involving countries such as Iran, Yemen and Lebanon. Trump added that the defeat of Hezbollah’s military threat from Lebanon is a major milestone for regional stability, emphasizing U.S. support for Lebanon’s new president and efforts to permanently disarm the armed groups.

In Israel, citizens gathered near the Reem military camp near Gaza and at “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv to welcome the returning hostages, waving Israeli flags and holding posters with their pictures. Meanwhile, masked gunmen affiliated with Hamas were seen in Gaza overseeing the handover of the hostages to Red Cross representatives.

The ceasefire and simultaneous release of hostages and prisoners mark a turning point in a conflict that has reshaped the political landscape of the Middle East and sparked widespread regional tensions.

President Isaac Herzog announced that Trump will be awarded Israel’s highest civilian honor later this year in recognition of his role in diplomatic progress.