U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Israel’s war against Gaza has officially ended, as Hamas completed the release of 20 living Israeli hostages under a new ceasefire agreement. His remarks came just before he was set to address members of the Israeli parliament.
Asked whether the war had concluded, Trump answered with a simple “yes,” signaling his confidence in the newly brokered deal. He made the statement while preparing to speak at the Knesset. According to reports, Hamas’s military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, handed over the hostages in two groups via Red Cross intermediaries.
The hostage release was part of a broader 20-point ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Under its terms, Israel has begun releasing nearly 1,968 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. The prisoner transfers are currently underway, with buses leaving Israeli facilities en route to Gaza and the West Bank.
The deal’s first phase also calls for a pause in hostilities and an initial Israeli withdrawal to a designated “yellow line.” The agreement spans five days and outlines an exchange timeline, the reopening of border crossings into Gaza, and the entry of humanitarian aid. The precise implementation steps were detailed in a roadmap obtained by media and confirmed by Egyptian sources.
While the ceasefire holds and hostages have been freed, the situation remains fragile. Trump’s declaration of war’s end has already drawn scrutiny, especially given the historical volatility of ceasefires in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Key issues-such as final troop withdrawals, oversight of Gaza’s governance, and long-term security guarantees remain unresolved.
Even as the hostages return home, Gaza faces severe devastation, massive displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. Rebuilding the enclave, restoring services, and securing peace will be major tests for all parties in the days ahead.
