NewsUS President Donald Trump addressed Israel’s Knesset Monday morning, announcing the “end of the war” in Gaza and the return of 20 Israelis who had been held by Hamas.
“After two harrowing years in darkness and captivity, 20 courageous hostages are returning to the glorious embrace of their families…and today, the sun rises on a Holy Land that is finally at peace,” President Trump said.
Israel’s Cabinet approved the ceasefire and hostage-exchange plan on Friday. The agreement also calls for the release of 2,000 Palestinians held in Israel, including five minors. The United States will send about 200 troops to monitor the ceasefire as part of an international effort to rebuild Gaza.
Palestinians celebrated the return of loved ones released from Israeli prisons, with thousands filling the streets. Meanwhile, the White House posted a video Monday showing Israeli Defense Forces welcoming several individuals.
While the exchange drew attention to Israelis returning from captivity, Gaza continues to face dire humanitarian conditions. Thousands of civilians have been killed or injured, and homes and essential infrastructure remain heavily damaged. Unexploded ordnance left in Gaza also poses ongoing risks to residents.
The exchange came amid reports of the death of 27-year-old Palestinian journalist Saleh Al-Ja’farwani, who was killed Sunday while reporting in Gaza’s Al-Sabra neighborhood. Meta reportedly removed his Instagram account that same day, raising concerns from press freedom advocates.
Just one day after the ceasefire took effect, Israeli forces reportedly killed at least seven Palestinians on Tuesday in violation of the agreement—six in Gaza City’s Shujaiya neighborhood and one in Khan Younis, according to local health authorities.
The ceasefire required a halt to all military action, including airstrikes and shelling. Israeli forces later took responsibility for the Shujaiya attack, claiming they fired on individuals who crossed designated boundary lines after issuing warnings. The army did not comment on the drone strike in Khan Younis.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned the attacks as a “clear breach” of the truce and urged international actors to hold Israel accountable.
President Trump was in Egypt Sunday co-chairing the “Sharm Al-Sheikh Summit for Peace” with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to discuss the agreement. Leaders from Turkey, Jordan, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, the UN, and the EU attended.
Both Hamas and Israel reported difficulties recovering the bodies of those killed within the three-day window set by the deal. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on X, “The urgent mission now is to ensure the return of all abducted bodies. Hamas’s failure to deliver four bodies today violates the agreement and will be met with a response.”
After Hamas transferred the bodies to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday, Israel announced it would restrict aid shipments and close the Rafah border crossing, citing delays by Hamas in turning over the bodies. Israel is expected to return the remains of at least 45 Palestinians.
Human rights groups have said the ceasefire is only a first step and must include Palestinian participation in shaping their future and governance, as well as an end to Israel’s occupation and apartheid in the Palestinian territories.
