Trump Brokers Historic Gaza Peace Deal
Hostage Families Celebrate Long-Awaited Reunion
Tears of joy and relief swept through Israel as the last 20 surviving hostages held by Hamas in Gaza finally returned home after two years in captivity. Families who had campaigned tirelessly for their release said they “never gave up hope” even during the darkest days of uncertainty.
“We never stopped believing,” said the family of Bar Kupershtein, one of the freed hostages. “For 24 months, every day felt endless — but faith carried us through.”
Another family, that of Evyatar David, expressed gratitude through tears: “After two years of suffering, he is here. Our nightmare has finally ended.”
The return of the hostages marks a historic turning point in the prolonged Gaza conflict, coming just hours after Donald Trump — now back in office as US President — announced a comprehensive ceasefire agreement brokered between Israel, Hamas, and key regional mediators.
A Painful Chapter Ends After Years of Uncertainty
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that all 20 living hostages had been safely transferred back to Israel through Egyptian mediation. However, Hamas also returned the coffins of four deceased hostages, bringing both heartbreak and closure to grieving families.
According to the IDF, Hamas informed negotiators that it no longer knows the locations of several of the remaining 24 individuals still listed as missing since the 2023 conflict escalation. Israeli officials said efforts continue to trace and recover those unaccounted for.
As part of the negotiated exchange, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, including women and minors. The mass release was described by international observers as one of the largest prisoner swaps in decades between Israel and Palestinian factions.
Trump Declares “A Tremendous Day for the Middle East”
Speaking at a Gaza Peace Summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, US President Donald Trump hailed the ceasefire as “a tremendous day for the Middle East and for humanity.”
Flanked by regional leaders and UN envoys, Trump signed the Gaza Ceasefire Accord, a document designed to end active hostilities, guarantee humanitarian access, and initiate reconstruction efforts in the war-torn enclave.
“The Trump deal brings peace, stability, and hope to millions who have suffered for far too long,” Trump said during the televised signing ceremony. “For the families reuniting today, this moment is the definition of victory — love defeating hate.”
The summit was attended by representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United Nations, all of whom played key roles in facilitating months of complex negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian officials.
Regional and Global Leaders Endorse the Agreement
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called the agreement “a foundation for a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.”
Qatari diplomats, who have long acted as intermediaries with Hamas, confirmed that the movement’s political wing had fully endorsed the ceasefire and agreed to international monitoring to prevent future violations.
The UN Secretary-General described the deal as “a crucial step toward ending the cycle of violence” and urged both sides to “seize this opportunity to rebuild trust and protect civilian lives.”
European leaders also welcomed the accord. French President Emmanuel Macron said France was ready to contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “a long-overdue moment of peace after years of pain.”
Israel Faces Difficult Balancing Act at Home
Inside Israel, the ceasefire has triggered mixed emotions. While families celebrated the safe return of their loved ones, political analysts noted that the large-scale prisoner release could spark controversy among hardline factions who oppose concessions to Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the agreement, calling it “a moral and strategic necessity.”
“No parent should ever wait two years for their child to come home,” he said. “Our duty was to bring them back, no matter the cost.”
Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square, where weekly vigils had been held since the 2023 abductions. The crowd erupted in cheers as news broke of the final group’s return, waving Israeli flags and chanting, “Welcome home.”
