A historic Gaza ceasefire could see the end to two years of conflict, freeing all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages held by Hamas and releasing over 1,950 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. The US-brokered deal, celebrated by US President Donald Trump in a Knesset speech on October 13, 2025, marks a turning point for the region. Trump declared the region is now “at peace” and called it a “historic dawn of a new Middle East.”
Hostages Reunite with Families
Freed Israeli hostages, including Omri Miran and Eitan Mor, embraced loved ones in emotional scenes across Israel. This reunion is part of the broader Gaza ceasefire efforts. The hostages, held since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, were airlifted to hospitals for medical checks. Meanwhile, 28 deceased hostages’ bodies remain in Gaza, with only four expected to be returned soon, raising concerns among families. Israel has formed a task force to locate the missing remains.
Palestinian Prisoners Return Home
In Ramallah and Gaza, crowds cheered as buses delivered 1,700 Palestinian detainees and 250 prisoners. Families wept and celebrated, though many freed prisoners appeared gaunt, some with visible injuries.
“This is a day of joy,” said Muhammad Hasan Saeed Dawood, a Palestinian father awaiting his son’s release.
The exchange is part of the Gaza ceasefire’s first phase, fueling hopes for lasting peace.
Trump’s Vision for Peace
Addressing Israel’s parliament, Trump praised the ceasefire and urged expanding agreements to normalise ties with Arab nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend” for his role in the deal. However, challenges persist, including Hamas’s refusal to disarm and uncertainty over Gaza’s future governance.
Summit to Shape Gaza’s Future
Trump will join 20 world leaders in Egypt to discuss Gaza’s postwar plans, though Netanyahu will miss the summit due to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The discussions are crucial in the context of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire. The US plan envisions an international body overseeing Gaza, but unresolved issues like Hamas’s role and a potential Palestinian state could complicate progress.
The Gaza ceasefire brings hope, but the road to lasting peace remains fraught. For now, families on both sides cherish reunions after years of anguish.
