Coinciding with the Release of Hostages and Detainees… Trump Begins Visit to Israel

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Israel in a visit that coincides with the commencement of the first phase of a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, which included the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.

During his flight, Trump announced that the war between Israel and Hamas has ended, telling reporters aboard Air Force One: “The war is over, okay? Do you understand that?” He added, “I am confident that the ceasefire will hold.”

Before departing from Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, Trump described his visit to the Middle East as “very special,” noting that his agenda includes participation in a “peace summit” to be held later today in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced that it had received the first batch of Israeli hostages released by Hamas—seven individuals from northern Gaza—as part of the deal brokered through regional and international mediation.

Trump’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort to support de-escalation after weeks of military escalation between the two sides, while the region awaits the outcomes of the “Sharm El-Sheikh Summit,” which is expected to focus on consolidating the ceasefire and discussing political resolution paths.