Trump lands in Israel: Air Force One touches down as hostages begin to be released in Gaza as part of his historic peace deal
Donald Trump landed in Israel today as he began releasing hostages as part of a historic peace deal brokered by Hamas.
In his statement on the road, the US President said that the ‘war is over’, citing the ceasefire as evidence that the conflict in Gaza has entered a new phase.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was seen greeting Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport.
The red carpet was rolled out for the American leader, whom Netanyahu describes as a close friend.
Trump will receive a hero’s welcome when he speaks to the country’s parliament later today.
Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is influential in Israel policy, was also seen at the airport with his wife Ivanka. After the speeches, the two leaders were seen chatting while leaving the airport together.
Trump will also be awarded the country’s highest civilian honor later this year, according to Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
When asked about his expectations for the region after the peace agreement is reached, he said: ‘I think it will normalize.’
Trump also said he would be ‘proud’ to visit Gaza. Speaking before he arrived, he said: ‘Everybody is happy, whether it’s Jewish or Muslim or the Arab countries – every country is dancing in the streets.
‘This is a certain period of time, I don’t think you’ll see him again. “They haven’t seen it in 3,000 years.” He added that this was ‘the first time everyone was united.’
He also said “there are many reasons” to believe the ceasefire will be successful. “It’s been centuries, not just recently, it’s been centuries,” he said. ‘I think people are tired of this, the ceasefire will continue.’
After the agreement was signed, a ceasefire between the two sides lasted for days and Hamas agreed to release all hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Trump at the airport
Trump looked in good spirits as he exited Air Force One
Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is influential in Israel policy, is also in Israel with his wife Ivanka.
Trump and Netanyahu were seen leaving the airport together
Thousands of Palestinians are traveling to Gaza City, where Israel has intensified its attacks in recent weeks, in the hope that there will be no more violence.
Netanyahu said in his speech on television yesterday: ‘Tomorrow is the beginning of a new path. ‘A way to build, a way to heal and hopefully – a way to unite hearts.’
All living Israeli captives are planned to be released, while the bodies of the remaining 28 dead hostages will be released later.
Families of hostages who have not yet been released by Hamas made video calls with their loved ones.
Matan Zangauker’s mother, Einav, was seen talking to her son in a video.
He told her: ‘You’re coming home, you’re all coming home. ‘No more war.’
Nimrod Cohen, a soldier also captured by Hamas, was seen talking to his family, Viki and Yehuda. Bar Abraham Kupershtein’s mother and relatives also spoke with him before his release.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said today: ‘The State of Israel and its security establishment embrace our first seven hostages to return home, including IDF soldier Matan Angrest. We are waiting for them all with excitement and great love.’
World leaders reacted to the release of the hostages. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: ‘Today is the first and important stage in ending the war in the Middle East.
‘We must now offer lasting peace and a secure future to the entire region.
‘The UK is providing additional humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and we will lead efforts to accelerate its reconstruction.’
Starmer will attend with 20 world leaders for the summit to be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, where the peace plan will be on the agenda. Trump will be at the top after leaving Israel.
Hostage Bar Abraham Kupershtein’s mother and relatives talk to him via video call
Donald Trump’s plane lands in Israel ahead of release of hostages held in Gaza
Trump greets his daughter Ivanka as he arrives in Israel
US and Israeli flags line the streets as the motorcade carrying Trump and Netanyahu passes by
A large crowd gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv in anticipation of the release of all captives. It is estimated that there are at least 65,000 people in the region
Trump is also expected to receive a heroic welcome in Egypt. Billboards with his photo were erected all over the city.
Following the news that the first hostages were released, citizens gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv.
It is estimated that at least 65,000 people gathered in the square. US and Israeli flags waved as the convoy carrying Trump and Netanyahu passed through the streets of Tel Aviv.
