Gaza Ceasefire Secures Hostage Release, Prisoner Exchange, and Global Peace Efforts
A U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire led to Hamas releasing all living Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. President Trump celebrated the deal, supported by world leaders and humanitarian aid.
All living Israeli hostages officially freed from Hamas captivity
Washington Examiner
First of seven hostages freed and transported to Israel
Washington Examiner
World leaders throw their weight behind the Gaza ceasefire deal
Associated Press
Trump to greet freed Israeli hostages in Middle East visit: Vance
Washington Examiner
Overview
- Hamas released all living Israeli hostages, including an initial group of seven, to the Red Cross in a southern Gaza Strip exchange, ending years of captivity and anguish for families.
- In return, Israel released approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 terror convicts, as part of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, with names released by the Justice Ministry.
- President Donald Trump visited Israel to celebrate the U.S.-brokered deal, meeting hostage families and speaking at the Knesset, as world leaders supported the peace summit to end the two-year war.
- Israeli troops pulled back from parts of Gaza, allowing Palestinians to return home. Released Israeli hostages were airlifted to Tel Aviv hospitals for medical care and joyous family reunions.
- The ceasefire aims to end the two-year Gaza war, which tragically resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths from Israeli airstrikes, with significant humanitarian aid now flowing into the devastated region.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing President Trump's central role in the Gaza ceasefire deal and the widespread positive reception. They highlight his departure for the "high-stakes" summit and the "celebration" across the region, underscoring the positive momentum and his personal involvement in the diplomatic efforts. This narrative focuses on the success and the key figures driving it.
"All living hostages have now been freed and they are back in Israel, according to the military."
CBS News"News of the hostage release was met by scenes of jubilation in Tel Aviv, where huge numbers gathered for public screenings."
Semafor"The releases have powerful resonance on both sides."
Associated Press"Heralded as an historic moment, the Gaza ceasefire accord also involves the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinians from Israeli jails."
Deadline"Trump thinks there is a narrow window to reshape the region and reset long-fraught relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors."
Associated Press"The hostage handover ignited celebrations throughout Israel."
NPR"The summit aims to “end the war" in Gaza and “usher in a new page of peace and regional stability" in line with U.S. President Donald Trump's vision."
ABC News"The summit aims to “end the war” in Gaza and “usher in a new page of peace and regional stability” in line with U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision."
Associated Press"The exchange of hostages and prisoners marked a key step toward ending the deadliest war ever between Israel and the militant group."
Associated Press"The remaining hostages are expected to be released on Monday, bringing hope to their families after more than two years of captivity."
NPR"As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heat waves, two counties in one of the fastest-warming parts of the United States offer a cautionary tale about what it takes to save lives in the face of the growing threat."
NBC News"This is a unique point in time where Muslims and Arabs are joining in the celebration of the ceasefire, along with Israel, marking a significant moment in the peace process."
USA TODAY"Anticipation built across Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank on Sunday as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held before a critical day for all sides and the region."
Chicago Tribune"Anticipation built across Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank on Sunday as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas held before a critical day for all sides and the region."
Associated Press"Thousands of Palestinians continued to travel north towards Gaza City, the focus of Israeli attacks over the past two months, hopeful the ceasefire would bring an end to the war."
USA TODAY"Coupled with relief and elation over the initial ceasefire is a deeper anxiety over Gaza’s future."
Semafor"Trump thinks there is a narrow window to reshape the Mideast and reset long-fraught relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors."
Chicago Tribune"It's really a great moment for the world, too, which is why the president's going to go over there and celebrate with these hostages."
ABC News"The vice president stressed that “you can’t say exactly the moment they will be released, but we have every expectation — that’s why the president is going — that he will be greeting the hostages early next week.”"
NBC News"The amount of aid entering the Gaza Strip is expected to increase Sunday to around 600 trucks per day, as stipulated in the agreement."
Associated Press"Egypt will host talks with Hamas and Israeli representatives in the Red Sea city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday."
ABC NewsArticles (55)
Center (21)
FAQ
Hamas released all living Israeli hostages, including an initial group of seven, to the Red Cross in a southern Gaza Strip exchange, while Israel released approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 convicted terrorists, as part of the ceasefire agreement.
The United States played a central role in brokering the Gaza ceasefire through mediation efforts involving U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari officials; U.S. Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump supported and pressured the parties toward agreement, with President Trump visiting Israel to celebrate the deal.
The two-year Gaza war resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths from Israeli airstrikes, significant devastation, and humanitarian crises in the region. The ceasefire enabled humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and allowed Palestinians to return home in some areas as Israeli troops pulled back.
Israel withdrew troops from parts of Gaza allowing Palestinian returns, but reportedly refused to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor as initially agreed, despite Israeli officials stating in February 2025 they would not complete the withdrawal by the planned timelines.
The ceasefire and peace efforts were supported by world leaders through a peace summit, with the United Nations Security Council passing Resolution 2735 backing the ceasefire proposal, and humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross facilitating hostage exchanges and aid delivery.
History
- 8h
7 articles - 15h9 articles
- 18h
6 articles - 21h
5 articles