Hamas Announces Release of Israeli Hostages; Trump to Address Knesset
In a significant development, Hamas has released a second group of 13 Israeli hostages to the Red Cross, confirming that all living hostages are now free. This release aligns with the terms of the recent ceasefire agreement, which mandated the handover of 20 living hostages along with the transfer of bodies of 28 deceased individuals. The initial group of seven hostages had already been transferred earlier in the day.
Release of Hostages
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the 13 hostages have successfully returned to Israel. They are currently being escorted by IDF and Shin Bet personnel toward Israeli territory, where they will undergo medical evaluations. The hostages released are:
- Elkana Bohbot
- Avinatan Or
- Yosef-Haim Ohana
- Evyatar David
- Rom Braslavski
- Segev Kalfon
- Nimrod Cohen
- Maxim Herkin
- Eitan Horn
- Matan Zangauker
- Bar Kupershtein
- David Cunio
- Ariel Cunio
US President Trump’s Address
On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel to address the Knesset, marking a historic moment in his diplomacy efforts. Trump expressed optimism by stating that Hamas will disarm. Although the organization has publicly rejected disarmament, Trump’s comments highlight a potential shift in negotiations.
Significance of the Event
The release of hostages is seen as a critical milestone towards peace in the region. Following the release, other global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, underscored the importance of this moment, stating it is crucial for ending the violence in the Middle East and achieving lasting peace.
International Involvement
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the role of diplomacy in facilitating the hostages’ release and emphasized the need for a robust peace plan. The EU plans to resume its border control mission at the Rafah crossing, supporting the ceasefire efforts.
The exchange of hostages also entails Israel’s commitment to release 250 Palestinian prisoners and approximately 1,700 detainees. This complex situation remains fluid as negotiations continue.
As events unfold, the international community closely watches the developments involving Israel and Palestine, with hopes for a stable and peaceful resolution.
