
JERUSALEM — In a forceful address before Israel’s Knesset on Monday, former President Donald Trump declared that an “age of terror is over,” following the release of 20 remaining living Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The hostages, abducted during the October 7, 2023 attacks, were returned as part of the first phase of a U.S.-brokered Gaza deal that also calls for Israeli troop withdrawals.
Trump’s arrival in Israel came amid scenes of emotional reunions, with freed captives greeted by cheering crowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square. He characterized the moment as a historic turning point: “Never forget, never again,” he told assembled lawmakers, urging that the military wins be translated into lasting peace.
Trump also presided over a ceremonial reception of hostages’ families before delivering his speech. Disruptions briefly marred the session when two Arab-Israeli parliamentarians shouted “Recognize Palestine” and were ejected from the chamber.
Although the deal marks a breakthrough, key challenges remain: Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s governance, and the return of the remains of 28 deceased hostages. Trump is expected to travel next to Egypt for a broader Middle East summit as leaders weigh next steps under his 20-point peace blueprint.
Sources (links):
The Guardian — “Hamas releases 20 remaining living Israeli hostages after two years in Gaza”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/13/israeli-hostage-release-hamas-gaza-last-living
Time — “’Dawn of a New Middle East’: Trump Addresses Israeli Parliament After Declaring Gaza War ‘Over’”
https://time.com/7325314/trump-israel-knesset-speech-hamas-cease-fire-gaza-war-hostages/
Reuters — “Hamas hands over all living hostages to Israel, Trump says”
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israelis-honour-trump-hostages-return-home-two-years-after-their-capture-2025-10-12/
CBS News — “Live updates: Trump speaks in Israel as last living hostages released by Hamas come back home”
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/israel-hamas-peace-deal-live-updates-hostages-trump-knesset-egypt/
AP News — “Israel and Hamas agree to part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan, will free hostages and prisoners”
https://apnews.com/article/ac80d3ed50ff2a9b4106ab5e13156651
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