After two years of relentless conflict, Israel and Hamas took significant steps on Monday towards ending the war in Gaza, with a major prisoner exchange under a diplomatic push led by President Donald Trump. The highlight of the day was the implementation of the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which saw Hamas release the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages. Israel kept its side of the bargain by freeing nearly 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The exchange led to scenes of celebration among both Israelis and Palestinians. The moment of relief was, however, clouded by controversy as Hamas returned the remains of only four deceased hostages, while the remains of 28 were expected.
Trump was undoubtedly at the centre of the day’s dramatic developments, declaring the end of hostilities. He delivered a forceful message of victory and peace, describing the ceasefire as a historic success. He took credit for orchestrating what he described as one of the most difficult diplomatic achievements in recent memory, framing it as part of his legacy as a peacemaker on the world stage.
Trump’s Middle East trip began in Jerusalem, where he addressed the Israeli Knesset. Lawmakers received him as a hero, with chants of his name echoing through the chamber. Some members wore hats bearing the phrase Trump the Peace President. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered high praise, calling Trump the greatest friend Israel had ever had in the White House. Trump urged Israeli leaders to move forward from war to peace, stating that Israel had won and should now seize the opportunity to build a stable and secure future.
“This is not only the end of war – this is the end of an age of terror and death,” he told the lawmakers. “Israel, with our help, has won all that it can by force of arms. Now it’s time to translate those victories against terrorists on the battlefield into the ultimate prize of peace and prosperity for the entire Middle East.”
In a surprising twist, he called on Israel’s president to pardon Netanyahu, who remains under investigation for corruption, inserting himself directly into the country’s domestic politics.
Later in the day, Trump flew to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt for a peace summit attended by the leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, along with a number of other world leaders. They signed a declaration supporting the ceasefire and committing to further cooperation on stabilising Gaza. “Gaza will be demobilised, Hamas will be disarmed, and Israel’s security will no longer be threatened,” Trump told the world leaders.
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi awarded Trump the Order of the Nile, Egypt’s highest honour, in recognition of his diplomatic efforts. Trump used the summit to promote a vision of regional transformation, calling on long-time rivals, including Iran, to put aside past grievances and focus on building a peaceful future.
It may be, however, not an easy task. While Trump insisted the war was over, Netanyahu adopted a more cautious tone, describing the peace deal as a proposal rather than a definitive end to the campaign. He emphasised Israel’s military achievements but stopped short of declaring total victory. His absence from the peace summit in Egypt, officially due to the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, further underlined the simmering tensions.
Yesterday’s ceasefire marks only the first phase of Trump’s ambitious peace plan, and the most difficult challenges lie ahead. Israel will not permit Hamas to keep its arms and play any role in administering Gaza. It is unlikely to cede its current positions inside Gaza so long as the territory’s network of tunnels and weapons is under Hamas control. But Hamas is unlikely to fold away quietly. The Trump plan envisages an Arab-led multinational security solution for Gaza, to be aided by a Palestinian police force devoid of any Hamas presence. Israel is likely to withdraw only after this new security regime is in place, making the timelines distant and unclear.
Equally contentious is the question of governing Gaza. The Trump plan suggests an administration run by Palestinian technocrats overseen by an international body. There is even talk of involving the Palestinian Authority after internal reforms, though Netanyahu has long opposed this. Hamas, meanwhile, insists that any future government must emerge from within the Palestinian community itself.
The reconstruction of Gaza is another formidable challenge. The territory is in ruins, with basic infrastructure destroyed completely. While many nations have pledged support to rebuild Gaza, it remains to be seen how it translates into action.
Finally, the success of the truce will depend on Trump’s commitment and steady involvement in the process. Things will collapse quickly if he loses interest and decides to move on. He has already hinted that his next focus will be on bringing peace to Ukraine.