Trump travels to Israel to secure end of Gaza ceasefire crisis

Israel anticipates that Hamas will release the remaining hostages early on Monday, as both sides aim for a fragile ceasefire in Gaza.

Donald Trump is traveling to Israel and Egypt to oversee the critical hours of a Gaza ceasefire he helped negotiate. Hamas has agreed to release all 48 remaining hostages, with a deadline set for midday on Monday. Additionally, 1,700 Palestinians detained since October 2023 and 250 serving life sentences in Israel will be released, along with the bodies of 360 Palestinians held by Israel.

Israeli spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated that Israel is prepared for the release of the hostages and emphasized the importance of a smooth handover by Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the return of the hostages as a historic event but cautioned about ongoing security challenges.

The exchange of hostages is crucial for maintaining the ceasefire and potentially progressing to a long-term agreement. Palestinian families are returning to their homes after years of conflict, while Mr. Trump is working to solidify the peace deal he sees as a breakthrough for the Middle East.

Families of the hostages express relief and anxiety as they await the release of their loved ones. Palestinians in the West Bank are also awaiting information on the release of detainees from Israeli prisons. The deal involves the release of detainees arrested since 2023, including children, amid reports of human rights abuses.

Mr. Trump has invested heavily in this deal and is working with regional countries to ensure its success. His envoy and family members have joined rallies in Israel to show support for the agreement. The UK is also pledging support for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the region.