U.S President Donald Trump has arrived in Israel following the first release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Trump’s visit comes amid relief across Israel, as helicopters ferried the freed hostages from Gaza to awaiting medical teams and family members.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the handover was facilitated through the International Committee of the Red Cross at a meeting point in northern Gaza.
“The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on,” the military said in a statement. “After 738 days in captivity, our IAF helicopter is ready to meet our hostages and bring them back home.”
Trump, who played a key role in brokering the negotiations between Israel and Hamas through back-channel diplomacy, is expected to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesse, later today evening.
First 7 Freed Hostages at IDF Base
The Israel Defense Forces has confirmed the release of seven Israeli hostages from Gaza, Matan Angrest, brothers Gali and Ziv Berman, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal.
The seven have safely arrived at an IDF facility near the border community of Re’im.
Also Read: Home at Last: Israel Welcomes Hostages Freed by Hamas
The hostages were escorted out of the Gaza Strip by Israeli troops following a coordinated handover with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Their release marks a new phase in ongoing efforts to secure the freedom of remaining captives held by Hamas.
The seven will undergo both physical and psychological evaluations before being reunited with their families.
EU Crediting Trump on Release of Hostages
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has welcomed the release of seven Israeli hostages by Hamas, describing it as a “crucial milestone towards peace” in the region.
Her remarks come amid growing international praise following the coordinated transfer of hostages to the Israel Defense Forces on Monday.
Kallas, in a post shared on X, credited US President Donald Trump for his involvement in the negotiations that led to the breakthrough.
“President Trump made this breakthrough possible,” she wrote, showing Washington’s influence in Middle East diplomacy.
Israel – Gaza Agreement
This comes days after US President Donald Trump officially announced that he had reached an agreement with Israel to end the two-year conflict in Gaza.
Also Read: China Hits Back at Trump’s 100% Tariff Escalation
The deal centered on an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, breaking a months-long deadlock that has cost thousands of lives and displaced countless civilians.
President Trump, who played a key role in brokering the agreement, took to social media to confirm the breakthrough and outline the first phase of his peace plan.
The plan required Israel to withdraw its troops to a mutually agreed-upon line, signaling a de-escalation of hostilities.
“I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan,” Trump posted.
“This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!”
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